Case Studies

Global

Advancing Peacemaking with Brain and Behavioural Insights

An initiative to apply the science of thought and action, Brain and Behavioural Science, to foster peacemaking and preventive diplomacy.

LAC

Improving Judicial Outcomes for Gender-Based Violence

UNDP Chile designed an empathetic support system for gender-based violence survivors navigating the judicial process. The strategy reduced drop-out rates by providing better information and expectation management.

Europe

Energy Efficiency Campaign

A North Macedonian study explored household adoption of energy-efficient solutions. Based on findings, a campaign encourages application for incentive-based payments for energy-efficient purchases, launching in 2023.

Global

Innovating Agrifood Systems with BeSci

FAO leverages behavioural science to boost innovation and sustainability in the agrifood sector. Seven pilot studies yielded valuable insights on issues like AMR, CER, and resilience.

Global

BeSci for Action Against Climate Change

The Evidence Gap Map presents a landscape of studies on the effectiveness of behavioural science interventions in developing countries within the context of climate change.

LAC

Overcoming Sexual Harassment Reporting Barriers

"Top Secret Helpline", a mobile app minimizes behavioral barriers to reporting sexual harassment cases, encouraging more people to speak up, access resources, and seek help.

Global

Counter-Terrorism Strategy with Behavioral Insights

UNOCT launches second phase of Behavioural Insights programme, strengthening data-driven counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism through targeted interventions.

Multiple regions

Bridging Gender Gaps: STEM and Parental Leave

UN Women leverages behavioural studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Uruguay to develop interventions that address gender disparity in STEM and employment after motherhood.

Global

Behavioural Insights for Better Communication with Displaced People

Partnership to explore how communication strategies rooted in behavioral, cognitive and social science can accelerate the spread of innovative approaches to providing care and protection to the world’s more than 65 million displaced people.

Europe

Increasing HIV Testing Uptake

UNDP and UNFPA used behavioral science to improve HIV testing uptake among Georgian youth. A randomized control trial, based on micro-narratives research, informed interventions to enhance self-testing and scale-up programs.

MENA

Preventing Extremism with Behavioral Insights

UNDP Sudan and Yemen implemented behavioral insights to enhance interventions against radicalization. Tools like value affirmation improved psychosocial support meeting attendance and prison education program effectiveness.

Global

BeSci for Development Portfolio Around the World

UNDP runs Behavioural Science applications in country settings around the world. Explore >60 use cases in an interactive dashboard.

Asia-Pacific

Promoting STEM among Girls

UNDP Maldives utilized behavioral insights to counteract social and cultural barriers inhibiting girls from pursuing STEM careers. Iterative strategies were developed and tested to stimulate confidence, awareness, and readiness.

LAC

Overcoming Gender Gaps with BeSci

An IFAD study revealing behavioral barriers sustaining gender gaps. It provides a fresh perspective and roadmap for women's economic empowerment, participatory decision-making, and work redistribution.

Asia-Pacific

Extreme Lives Advocacy Project

The Extreme Lives project created short documentaries for at-risk youth in Asia. Using behavioral insights, the films aimed to change perceptions, boost self-control, and foster community connections.

Global

Behavioural Science for Enhanced Decision-Making

Through people-centered theories and approaches, behavioral science can help produce change to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. In aviation, behavioral science can be used to optimize passenger flows, explore enablers to environmentally friendly patterns and be applied to aviation security. The session held on the occasion of the 2022 ICAO Innovation Fair generated a conversation on the fundamentals of behavioral science and illustrated applications in aviation.

Global

SG's Guidance Note on Behavioural Science

The Secretary-General’s Guidance urges all colleagues to explore and apply behavioural science in programmatic and administrative areas and collaborate to realise its tremendous potential for impact towards the SDGs.

Global

UNEP Behavioural Change Advisory Document

Why behavioral change matters to the Global Environment Facility and what to do about it

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Behavioural Science in Aviation Webinar

Behavioural Science has the potential to support the contribution of international civil aviation to sustainable development. Positive impacts are foreseen in applying behavioural science to promote safety, encourage environmentally friendly behaviours, or in the area of aviation security. Watch the recording of this webinar to be introduced to key concepts of Behavioural Science and practical applications in aviation.

Global

Global Aviation: Behavioural Science and Gender

The Lightning Talks held at the 2023 Global Aviation Gender Summit focused on the key role of data in making informed decisions and developing inclusive solutions to resource planning and sustainable growth of aviation, including evidence-based strategies, policies and measures that correspond to the priorities, gaps and needs of the sector in achieving gender equality. They also explored opportunities for advancing gender equality in aviation through innovative approaches, such as the application of behavioural science into the recruitment process, so as to limit as much as possible cognitive bias, including those related to gender.