Welcome to the website of the United Nations University.

UNU implements research activities and postgraduate educational programmes designed “to contribute to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of sustainable human security, development and welfare”. We have been successful in convincing people and governments that education is at the core of dealing with emerging developmental issues, a view that corresponds to the UN Millennium Development Goals. It is only through high-quality education that we can hope to strengthen the capacity to implement positive changes in societies across the globe.

UNU’s specialized training and postgraduate research and education programmes are expanding, providing an opportunity for us to welcome many new faces from all around the world here in Tokyo and at UNU locations worldwide. On a broader scale, our research strives to keep up with pressing world issues, especially in fields related to the environment, sustainable development, peace and governance. In addition, UNU will continue to hold international events (conferences, seminars and consultative meetings) that address such topics as climate, oil, food, biodiversity and many more.

We will continue to focus our efforts on securing the quality and the usefulness of UNU’s work, strengthening collaboration with our partners and with our host countries, and making our voice heard worldwide. In this way, UNU aspires to make a valuable contribution to the critical problems of humanity, thereby furthering and strengthening sustainability in all aspects of life.

Konrad Osterwalder
Rector