UN University

The UN University is dedicated to the generation and transfer of knowledge, and the strengthening of individual and institutional capacities in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UN University is to contribute, through collaborative research, capacity development, and advisory services to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. In doing so, it pays due attention to the social sciences and humanities as well as natural sciences. The UN University fosters intellectual cooperation among scholars, scientists, and practitioners worldwide — especially those in the developing world — and functions as: - an international community of scholars - a bridge between the United Nations and the international academic community - a think-tank for the United Nations system - a builder of capacity, particularly in developing countries - a platform for dialogue and new and creative ideas. Since the beginning of its academic activities in September 1975, the UN University has grown and matured into a decentralized, global network comprising UNU Centre in Tokyo, a worldwide network of institutes located in 13 UN Member Nation host countries (as of 2008), and liaison offices at United Nations Headquarters (New York) and UNESCO Headquarters (Paris). UNU is one of the smaller United Nations organizations, and as a voluntarily funded organization depends heavily on support from governments, bilateral and multilateral development assistance agencies, foundations and other public and private sector sources. Over the past decades, the University has increasingly enhanced the nature and impact of its contributions to the UN system and to the international academic community. One of the major comparative advantages of the UN University is that in conducting its research it adopts a holistic approach to the complex problems that affect human security and development. The UN University undertakes cross-cultural and problem-oriented research. UN University academic researchers develop targeted foresight and policy studies which feed into decision-making processes (from global to local levels). Through its worldwide knowledge networks of academics from the five continents (with backgrounds both in social and natural sciences) the University imbues its work with a truly global perspective.

http://unu.edu/