Posted in Blog, BRIDGES IPO news on May 13, 2026.
In an era of rapid change, growing inequalities, and complex global challenges, collaboration between science, policy, and society, rooted in a deep understanding of the plurality of human experiences, is becoming increasingly crucial. In this context, UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES serves as a dedicated coalition committed to revolutionising how knowledge is mobilised for inclusive social development and planetary wellbeing.
For organisations committed to equity, innovation, and impact, joining the BRIDGES Coalition is a meaningful move.
BRIDGES is a global sustainability science coalition comprising a diverse range of institutions and organisations (coalition members) dedicated to advancing sustainability knowledge and action. Nested in UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme, BRIDGES was launched to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a deeply transdisciplinary, humanities-rooted and locally grounded approach.
BRIDGES operates through a global network of regional hubs, mostly anchored in universities around the world, that work in partnership with diverse communities. The global hubs are connected and supported by the International Programme Office (IPO). Together, they form a rich fabric that interweaves community action with humanitites-rooted sustainability science on a global scale.
Our coalition member organisations are at the heart of our global network; institutions who align with and formally commit to the BRIDGES' mission.
Our coalition membership is multifaceted, consisting of organisations that embrace energy, creativity, engagement and commitment in the shaping and realising of a shared agenda for people and planet. It includes universities, scientific institutions, think tanks, cultural and heritage foundations, Indigenous, traditional and local knowledge communities, governmental and non-governmental organisations, community groups, as well as other entities committed to sustainability.
The BRIDGES Coalition membership play a distinct yet complementary role to the BRIDGES hubs, which serve as the operational core of the programme, driving its essential activities. Our members co-create knowledge and solutions that are ecologically wise, socially inclusive, and culturally resonant. They implement projects, participate in working groups, help shape our strategic direction, share expertise, collaborate, and actively contribute to our shared endeavours.
Coalition members may be brought in to strengthen hub capacities, particularly when there is a need for specialised expertise, such as in working groups, research initiatives, webinars, and other engagements.
Together, the hubs and Coalition members form a dynamic, collaborative network dedicated to advancing sustainable socio-ecological regeneration at various scales.
1. Tackle Real-World Challenges Collectively
Becoming a BRIDGES Coalition member positions your organisation at the forefront of tackling the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues. From climate justice, ecological restoration, and biodiversity to cultural preservation, intangible heritage, and social equity, BRIDGES provides a collaborative space to contribute your expertise and learn from others.
2. Align with UNESCO and the SDGs
Membership amplifies your commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through a UNESCO-rooted framework. This alignment can open up partnerships and funding opportunities.
3. Belong to a Global Knowledge Network
As a member, your organisation becomes part of a vibrant transdisciplinary network that bridges the gap between academic research, policy-making, and grassroots action. This ecosystem promotes mutual learning, innovation, and the sharing and application of ideas across continents and cultures, enabling diverse partners to co-design and co-produce knowledge together.
4. Elevate Your Visibility and Impact
BRIDGES offers members a platform to showcase their work on a global stage. Whether you’re a think tank, university, NGO, or social enterprise, there is a place for your innovation within the coalition.
5. Co-create Just and Sustainable Futures
Perhaps the most compelling reason to join BRIDGES is the shared purpose: rethinking development in ways that are just, inclusive, and ecologically sustainable. If ethically rooted, community-engaged transformation is at the heart of your organisation, this is where you belong.
The BRIDGES Coalition welcomes a broad range of members, contingent on a shared commitment to equity, knowledge pluralism, and systemic change, informed by a transdisciplinary approach rooted in the richness and diversity of human experiences and our place within the natural world.
Being part of the UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES Coalition is an opportunity to tackle systemic challenges together; to pool wisdom, share responsibility, and act collaboratively towards a more humane, sustainable world.
If your organisation is passionate about thinking globally, acting locally, and collaborating meaningfully, we welcome you to join us in building bridges towards flourishing futures where all beings and the planet can thrive.
Learn more about how to apply for coalition membership.
Visit the Coalition Membership page, which has a list of all the member organisations.
Bridging Futures General Assembly. July 2025. Swansea, Wales, UK. Featuring some of the speakers who contributed to this event, from across our coalition membership, our global hubs, UNESCO-MOST, and strategic partner organisations.
