global problems - global science – global education unu as (the) global university prof. dr....
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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