Palau Macaya, International Centre of the Social and HumanSciencesBacked by UNESCO
Since 2024, Palau Macaya, run by the ”la Caixa” Foundation, has been an International Centre of the Social and Human Sciences with UNESCO backing, the first of its kind in Spain.
This recognition cements its position as a leading think tank and connects it with a network of excellence promoting UNESCO’s strategic programmes and development agendas around the world.
THIS RECOGNITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF THE SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES CEMENTS PALAU MACAYA’S POSITION AS A KEY SPACE FOR TACKLING THE MAIN CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
This acknowledgement from UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) underscores Palau Macaya’s history as a leading centre for debate and dialogue. Additionally, it is symbolic of the alignment of values between UNESCO and the ”la Caixa” Foundation, where social inclusion, education, science and culture are the pivotal points of all they do.
KEY FUNCTIONS AND OBJECTIVES
- As an international platform, the centre supports the construction of inclusive and resilient societies through research, dialogue and stronger institutions with special attention to young people, children, gender and vulnerable groupss.
- It organises prestigious forums on topics such as discrimination, artificial intelligence and climate change while also promoting evidence-based decision-making and publishing annual reports on societies.
- It promotes education and development within the Management of Social Transformations programme (MOST).
- It fosters alliances to support young people heading up social innovation initiatives.
- It contributes towards the implementation of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
PUBLICATIONS
Who bears the costs? Addressing inequalities from climate change and climate action
As the world confronts climate crisis, this report is both a call to action and a roadmap for transformative policies.
New Ways of Thinking About Society and the Economy
The increase in inequality, democratic fragility, climate disruption, and technological transformation are calling into question assumptions about development and progress.
Investing in people: social investments for economic transformation
Social investments in education, health and, especially, social protection not only improve well-being, but also generate significant economic benefits.
Leveraging emerging technologies to tackle complex challenges
Can digital innovation stimulate more transformative development cooperation? Analysis of the potential of localization and emerging digital technologies in development cooperation programs.
Impact Investing’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Financing
What is the role of catalytic capital and impact investing in financing sustainable development, in the context of the growing financing gap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?