Cultivating UN Innovation Communities: Key Questions and Considerations

This Guide delves into what it takes to create flourishing communities - in the UN system and beyond. 

More than ever, the UN’s work calls for creative thinking that draws on our collective strengths and expertise. UN communities are creating spaces to collaborate and experiment across UN Entities, foster knowledge exchange and learning and pool resources. Communities can also incubate and practice the “forward-thinking” culture that “values agility, learning and curiosity” envisioned by UN 2.0. 

Communities are on the rise with 53% of UN Entities now reporting hosting knowledge communities. In this context, we hope this Guide can provide insights for new and established communities in and outside the UN system and can evolve as a co-created resource. Drawing on the collective experiences of 11 UN innovation communities and external experts, the Guide:

- Provides an overview of key questions to consider when setting up or supporting communities 
- Shares practical considerations for current community leaders interested in building and sustaining communities 
- Provides practical insights on topics from establishing communities to recruiting members, community engagement and resourcing, and evaluating community impact.