United Nations University

About

The United Nations University (UNU) serves as the academic and research arm of the United Nations, functioning as a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization. It is best known for its interdisciplinary research on pressing global problems, particularly in areas like sustainable development, peace, and governance. Its strongest programs, primarily offered through institutes like UNU-IAS in Tokyo, focus on sustainability science at the Master's and PhD levels. The experience for international students is inherently global, with all programs taught in English and attracting a highly diverse cohort from around the world, fostering a unique network within the UN system. A distinctive characteristic is its unique position as the only university directly integrated into the United Nations system, providing direct input to global policy.

Background

The United Nations University (UNU) (国際連合大学, Kokusai Rengō Daigaku) is the think tank and academic arm of the United Nations. Headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, with diplomatic status as a UN institution, its mission is to help resolve global issues related to human development and welfare through collaborative research and education. In 1969, UN Secretary-General U Thant proposed "the establishment of a United Nations university, truly international and devoted to the Charter objectives of peace and progress". Following three annual sessions discussing the matter, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved the founding of the United Nations University in December 1972. Tokyo was chosen as the main location due to the Japanese government's commitment to provide facilities and $100 million to the UNU endowment fund. The United Nations University was formally inaugurated in January 1975 as the world's first international university. Since 2010, UNU has been authorized...

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