Education is one of the common fundamental measures to address current global issues such as peace activities, sustainable development, poverty and human rights. Contestants should address the specific question of: "What role is expected of the United Nations and the United Nations University in promoting education in order to solve problems in these fields?"

The contest is open to international participation by anyone who has an interest in the United Nations University and in the selected topic, regardless of age, nationality or profession. Essays may be in either English (3,000 to 6,000 words) or Japanese (8,000 to 16,000 characters). English essays should be typed on A4-size paper and include an abstract of up to 450 words. Japanese essays should be accompanied by an abstract of up to 1,200 characters. All entries must include a cover sheet listing the contributor's name, affiliation, age, gender, nationality, address, and telephone and/or fax numbers.

The deadline for entry is 31 January 2002. Essays should be submitted to:

The best essay will receive a grand prize of Japanese yen 500,000. Two second prizes of Japanese yen 200,000 each and several honorable mentions of Japanese yen 50,000 each will also be awarded to selected essay contributions. The winners will be notified by June 2002, and will receive their prizes at a ceremony to be held later that month at the United Nations University Centre.

The Eisaku Sato Memorial Foundation for Cooperation with the United Nations University was established by the late Mr. Eisaku Sato, former Prime Minister of Japan, with the monetary award he received with his 1974 Nobel Peace Prize. The Foundation, which devotes its activities to providing support for the development of the United Nations University, has been holding this essay contest annually since 1983.

The Eisaku Sato Memorial Prize Essay Contest 2001 is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Nihon Keizai Shimbun; and United Nations University.