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What does the United Nations “say” about global agenda? An exploration of trends using natural language processing for machine learning

Author

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  • Namsuk Kim
  • Marcelo LaFleur

Abstract

How has the focus of the UN General Assembly changed over time and how well is the global agenda expressed in these documents? This paper presents a proof-of-concept classifier to examine the evolution of the global agenda expressed and observed in words of the UN General Assembly resolutions. Using natural language processing to identify four categories of resolutions — Sustainable Development, Justice and Law, Human Rights, and Peace and Security — the analysis of 3,765 UN GA resolutions from 2007 to 2019 reveals the changing areas of focus of the Member States and, as a result, of the UN Secretariat. Sustainable Development is slowly gaining importance in the language in UN resolutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Namsuk Kim & Marcelo LaFleur, 2020. "What does the United Nations “say” about global agenda? An exploration of trends using natural language processing for machine learning," Working Papers 171, United Nations, Department of Economics and Social Affairs.
    • Handle: RePEc:une:wpaper:171
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    File URL: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/wp171_2020.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Merih Angin & Beyza Taşdemir & Cenk Arda Yılmaz & Gökcan Demiralp & Mert Atay & Pelin Angin & Gökhan Dikmener, 2022. "A RoBERTa Approach for Automated Processing of Sustainability Reports," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-25, December.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    United Nations; General Assembly Resolution; Natural Language Processing; Global Agenda; Sustainable Development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F53 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations

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