UNAI launches J Michael Adams Conversation Series at UNHQ, 21 October
The inaugural lecture in the J Michael Adams Conversation series, launched by UNAI on 21 October, was delivered by well-known scientist from Saudi Arabia, Dr. Hayat Sindi. A visiting scholar at Harvard University and a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Dr. Sindi spoke on Women, Science and our Globalised World.
UNAI-HGU Forum on Higher Education in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Samoa
Scholars from Handong Global University (Republic of Korea) and the National University of Samoa joined in a two day meetng at Apia, 31 August and 1 September, on the margins of the Third United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States.
Formally called UNAI-HGU Forum on Capacity Building in Higher Education, Energy, and Entrepreneurship for Achieving Sustainable Development in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the meeting focused on two broad themes: the role of higher education in national capacity building and the development of comparative advantage, and the role of youth and entrepreneurship through changes in traditional patters of education. The forum also explored viable solutions that bring changes leading to genuine sustainable development of the SIDS and creating a platform of cooperation between the UNAI-HGU and SIDS actors.
At IAUP conference, Secretary-General receives the first J. Michael Adams Leadership and Service Award
At the XVII Triennial Conference of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), held in Yokohama, Japan from 11 – 14 June 2014, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was honoured with the first J. Michael Adams Leadership and Service Award. The award was instituted by IAUP in the memory of Mr. Adams, a former President of the Association, who passed away in 2012.
On behalf of the Secretary-General, the award was received by Mr. Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information.
Southampton University harnesses lightning to charge a mobile phone
UNAI member the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom has collaborated with Nokia on a breakthrough research into harnessing the power of lightning for personal use, a revolutionary attempt that can potentially offer consumers with a sustainable alternative to charge their mobile devices. The research was undertaken to investigate how natural power resources could be used to charge a Nokia Lumia 925 with an energy simulation similar to that of a bolt of lightning.
This research in advancing science and technology links in with the  of higher education capacity-building and sustainability through education.
The experiment was conducted with the help of scientist Niel Palmer of the University's Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory – one of the world's leading high voltage laboratories.
Pomona College President visits UN Headquarters
 President Dr. David Oxtoby, accompanied by Bertil Lindblad, Senior Advisor for International Initiatives of Pomona College, visited UN Headquarters on 19 September 2013.
Dr. Oxtoby and Mr. Lindblad were received by Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division of the UN Department of Public Information, who welcomed Pomona as one of the newest members of UNAI and lauded its commitment to promoting several UNAI goals, including human rights and sustainability.