Introducing the First 11 Initiatives Recognised by UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES

Introducing the First 11 Initiatives Recognised by UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES

The UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES Coalition has recognised 11 initiatives in the inaugural round of our Recognition Programme.

We commend these standout initiatives for their dedication and impactful contributions to transdisciplinary sustainability science. They serve as exemplary cases of how bridging diverse knowledge systems and integrating the humanities can address complex sustainability challenges. By rooting themselves in local social and cultural realities, these initiatives are helping to foster thriving communities and sustainable futures.

Congratulations to the following initiatives receiving BRIDGES Recognition

• 4-OCEANS
• A Dobradiça – Encontros Contemporâneos
• Ancestral Nutrition for Future Resilience, UMR Héritages
• Coeda Social de Carbono (MSC) - Carbon Social Currency (MSC), Terrazul Institute
• The Casa da Pedra (Stone Home) and the education through rocks, Rio de Janeiro Federal University
• The Circular Economy Coalition
• Creative Encounters in the Wills Tobacco Archive: Exploring Public and Cultural Health Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol
• Homeless Population in Governador Valadares/MG, Vale do Rio Doce University
• Integrated Areas of Landscape Management in Mação (AIGP)
• Onandjokwe Medical Museum (Namibia): past, present and future, University of Namibia
• UFMS Rock Trail: Innovations and social technologies in the Bioeconomy

The Mission in Practice

The Recognition Programme was established to advance the BRIDGES mission: encouraging transdisciplinary research that is inclusive of the humanities and co-produced with communities.

These first 11 initiatives exemplify our mission to foster transdisciplinary, humanities-inclusive solutions, offering innovative approaches to building socio-ecological resilience in real-world contexts where transformation is most critical.

Each project demonstrates that we cannot solve sustainability issues without understanding the social and cultural contexts that drive them.

Influencing Global Policy

This recognition provides a mechanism for these initiatives to inform international policy. By highlighting these projects as exemplary models, the actionable knowledge they generate will:

• Inform discussions and priorities among the Member States of the UNESCO-MOST Intergovernmental Council.
• Contribute to broader multilateral contexts within the UN system, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Showcase how humanities-driven science creates meaningful social transformations.

Over the coming weeks, we will highlight each of these initiatives individually, sharing more about their activities and the various contexts in which they contribute to the mission of the coalition.

We extend our congratulations and highest regards to all 11 initiatives, celebrating their achievements and honouring the vital work they do.

Are you working on a locally- rooted co-created initiative that’s helping your community and the planet? We invite you to explore the BRIDGES Recognition Programme; we’re keen to hear from you and about your initiative!

Full information on the BRIDGES Recognition Programme can be found here.