Global Problems -Global Science – Global Education

UNU as (the)

Global University

Prof. Dr. Konrad Osterwalder,

Rector United Nations University

Celebrating The Event:

21 December 2010

An old dream comes true

The General Assembly approves the amendments to the charter of UNU that will oblige it to become a full-fledged Graduate School

The United Nations University

1969 Secretary-General U Thant suggests the creation of a

“United Nations university, truly international in character and devoted to the Charter’s objectives of peace and progress.”

Goal: scientific think tank, engaged in• Research • Postgraduate Training• Capacity building • Advising

in furtherance of the purposes and principals of the UN

• Founded in 1973 (began operations 1975) by UN General Assembly as

• autonomous organ of the United Nations• Funded by host countries (not by UN)

But: original dream of U Thant and of the main

host country, Japan, not fulfilled:

No postgraduate degree programs

BASIC STRUCTURE

• Headquarters in Tokyo (financed by Japan)• 13 Institutes for Research and Training

in 12 different countries, financed by host countries

• Operating Units (as parts of the institutes)

• Associated Institutions (Institutes of other universities)

• Capacity Development units (ad hoc)

• Liaison offices to UN and to UNESCO

Overall Topic: Sustainable Development

Devoted to the needs of the UN, in particular Sustainability and the Millennium Goals

the United Nations University focuses on

Societal Problems Economical Problems Ecological Problems

THREE MAJOR PURPOSES(the mission)

• Research and Education at postgraduate level in fields that are related to the pressing global problems of concern to the UN, its people and its member states

• Capacity Building in developing countries and in countries in transition

• Academic Think Tank for UN and its member states

NEW STRATEGIES (2008 - …)

• Postgraduate programs• Twin Institutes• User focused research and teaching• Collaboration instead of competition: strengthen

ties to other leading universities• Global Institution with strong local roots • Closer collaboration Soc.+Nat. Sciences • Systems thinking • Quality control, Accreditation• Fund raising

Graduate Programs

• Master and PhD programs

• International students teaching language English

• In collaboration with local universities

• Focusing on the thematic topic of the UNU Institute

• Involving practical work

• Preparing students for work in UN, governments, NGO, industry

TWIN INSTITUTES

Problem:

UNU presence in developing countries has to be strengthened

UNU Institutes

TWIN INSTITUTES

• Task: capacity building in developing countries and in countries in transition

• Goal: extend teaching and research activities to developing countries in a substantial and sustainable way

• Method: creating institutes with a campus in first world and a campus in developing world -> Twin Institute

TWIN INSTITUTE

• Campus in a developed country: fully financed by host country

• Campus in developing country: partially financed by host country

• Remaining finances: submitting joint proposals for research/teaching projects to agencies in developed country

• One advisory board• Combined directorate

A TWIN INSTITUTE

TWIN INSTITUTES

Poverty reduction

HealthWealth

Creation

Systems Thinking: Example

UNU is different, adds value

• Global institution with strong roots into politics, government, UN. Practitioners as teachers.

• Goal: a large number of the higher UN employees have a UNU degree (also in government, in NGOs)

• Postgraduate programs and research are focused on themes not on disciplines, focused on “user’s” needs

• Students get to know both developed and developing regions and their problems

• Twin Institutes lead to N – S partnerships• Collaboration instead of competition: strengthen ties to

other leading universities

Next steps

• Build up Graduate School and Twin structure

• Establish new Institutes

• Fundraising

• Communication

Thank you for your ongoing support