The decentralized arrangement of the United Nations University allows it to operate from a truly interdisciplinary and global perspective. Comprising 15 institutes and programmes located in 13 countries, the University is assisted by a network of UNU associated institutions and numerous cooperating institutions, researchers and scholars worldwide. UNU places special emphasis on collaboration between developed and developing countries.

The UNU system is coordinated by UNU Centre; the Rector is its chief academic and administrative officer, and the UNU Council serves as its governing board.