On 18 September 2025, the United Nations University (UNU) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, honouring five decades of advancing knowledge, education and evidence-based solutions for a more sustainable and peaceful world.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, alongside senior ministers of the Government of Japan, members of the National Diet of Japan, diplomats, UN officials, and UNU staff and partners. The gathering exemplified the enduring partnership between Japan and the United Nations, and their shared commitment to peace, sustainability and inclusive development.
The programme opened with a video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who highlighted how UNU unites the world through knowledge partnerships to tackle pressing global challenges. He recognized the University's role as a trusted source of evidence-based policymaking and praised UNU as “truly multilateralism in action”.
Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of UNU and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, welcomed guests with reflections on the University’s journey from a single programme on food and nutrition to its current global network of 13 institutes in 12 countries, contributing research and education across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Expressing gratitude to Japan for its steadfast support, he remarked: “Japan stands as an inspiring example of how knowledge and innovation, paired with a commitment to international peace and multilateralism, can serve the global good.”
In a rare and deeply meaningful moment, His Majesty the Emperor addressed the audience in English, describing UNU as “a beacon of knowledge, innovation and collaboration in the service of humanity”. He expressed his hope that UNU would “continue to generate knowledge necessary for transforming the world to help to ensure a secure, equitable and sustainable future for all humankind”.
Three Cabinet ministers of the Government of Japan also shared their congratulations. H.E. Mr. Takeshi Iwaya, Minister for Foreign Affairs, affirmed his ministry’s support for UNU as the only UN organization headquartered in Japan, highlighting its role as a think tank for the UN system in addressing global divisions. H.E. Ms. Toshiko Abe, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, praised UNU contributions to nurturing young professionals. H.E. Mr. Keiichiro Asao, Minister of the Environment, reflected on UNU leadership in tackling environmental crises and advancing science-based solutions. Each minister reaffirmed the Government of Japan’s long-standing commitment to UNU and its mission.
Ms. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, reflected on the city’s deep-rooted support for UNU since it opened its doors in 1975, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among cities to address global challenges. She stressed Tokyo’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United Nations and other partners in pursuit of a sustainable future.
In keeping with the UNU tradition of fostering intellectual exchange, the ceremony featured a Conversation Series dialogue between Rector Marwala and Professor Taikan Oki, former UNU Senior Vice-Rector and 2024 Stockholm Water Prize laureate. Their discussion explored the nexus of water and digital transformation, with Professor Oki advocating for “data-first” decision-making and decentralized water systems to accelerate progress towards SDG 6.
In closing remarks, Professor Sawako Shirahase, UNU Senior Vice-Rector and UN Assistant Secretary-General, expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their unwavering support over the past five decades. She underscored the determination of UNU to promote a peaceful, just and inclusive future, stating: “Let us look ahead together and work collectively towards a sustainable world.”
Following the ceremony, Their Majesties participated in a private tea reception with 16 students from the UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), engaging in conversations about the students' studies and aspirations. This intimate exchange reflected UNU commitment to nurturing the next generation of global leaders.
The event concluded with a discussion between Their Majesties and UNU leadership, offering a moment of reflection on the UNU legacy and its continued relevance in a rapidly changing world.
The UNU 50th Anniversary Ceremony was both a celebration of UNU achievements and a declaration of the University's enduring mission to serve as a bridge between the UN and the global academic community. As UNU enters its next chapter, it remains focused on generating knowledge to support policy, expanding global partnerships, empowering youth and advancing impactful solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges.