United Nations University

United Nations University
Other name
UNU
TypeResearch university, think tank
EstablishedDecember 1972; 51 years ago (1972-12)
FounderUnited Nations General Assembly
AffiliationUnited Nations
BudgetUS$124.8 million (2022–2023)[1]
RectorTshilidzi Marwala
Students315 (2021)[2]
Postgraduates225 (2021)[2]
90 (2021)[2]
Location,
Japan

35°39′45″N 139°42′30″E / 35.66237°N 139.70836°E / 35.66237; 139.70836
CampusUrban
Websitewww.unu.edu
icon Politics portal
United Nations University in Tokyo
Entrance to the University building

The United Nations University (国際連合大学, Kokusai Rengō Daigaku) (UNU) is the think tank and academic arm of the United Nations.[3] 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".[4] 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 by the UNGA to grant postgraduate degrees, offering several master's and doctoral programs. The university's research officially prioritises three thematic areas: peace and governance; global development and inclusion; and environment, climate and energy. UNU also facilitates the UN's engagement with academic institutions and policymakers around the world, in part through campuses, programmes, and affiliated institutes spanning twelve countries.

  1. ^ "UNU Work Programme and Budget Estimates" (PDF). United Nations University. n.d. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "United Nations University: Annual Report 2021" (PDF). United Nations University. n.d. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  3. ^ "About UNU – United Nations University". unu.edu. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  4. ^ "FAQ – United Nations University". unu.edu. Retrieved 2 December 2019.