UNU International Courses (UNU/IC)

UNU/IC - Spring 1999 1 February - 12 March 1999 Tokyo, Japan

WELCOME.

Dear participants,

The United Nations University was established to help resolve the most pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. UNU contributes to these efforts by carrying out its research and policy studies, its teaching and training.

UNU's comparative advantage lies in its unique position, which is clearly indicated by its name. To be both "United Nations" and "University". To be a community of scholars, focussing the work of scholars from around the world on those crucial concerns of the United Nations and its Member States. To be both: a think tank of the United Nations and an institution contributing to capacity-building, in particular in developing countries.

The quality of UNU's contribution is characterized by the ways in which it brings together the views of scholars as well as practitioners from around the world. Bringing together theory and practice as well as maintaining a clearly global perspective are essential for UNU's work.

UNU's Charter (Article I, paragraph 7) clearly states:

In its postgraduate training the University shall assist scholars, especially young scholars, to participate in research in order to increase their capacity to contribute to the extension, application and diffusion of knowledge.

The University may also undertake the training of persons who will serve in international or national technical assistance programmes, particularly in regard to an interdisciplinary approach to the problems with which they will be called upon to deal.

The UNU's International Courses are a new initiative to implement the second part of this teaching and training task. These courses have been specifically designed to provide those who already have a university degree and already have some basic knowledge with further focussed training. The number of participants has been deliberately kept small so as to create optimal conditions to interact with the teaching staff. UNU's facilities are available for the participants to enquire further into the topics of their specific interest. We are happy to have you with us. We hope you will have a good and fruitful stay with us:

Welcome!

Prof. Hans van Ginkel
Rector

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