UNU is an international community of scholars - a network of networks - whose mission is to generate knowledge and build capacity in areas relevant to the global problems of human security, development and welfare, in particular in developing countries. Its position as an academic institution within the United Nations system offers the UNU unique opportunities to contribute to the advancement of knowledge as well as to its application in the formulation of sound policies. Within this framework, the University acts as a bridge between the UN and the international academic community, and as a think tank for the UN system.

Prof. van Ginkel was appointed as UNU's fourth Rector in 1997. During his first term as Rector, UNU has broadened the outreach of its ongoing projects and developed new initiatives within two broad programme areas: peace and governance, and environment and sustainable development. This work is carried out through the UNU Headquarters in Tokyo and through 13 research and training centres and programmes located around the world. In the current (2002-2003) biennium, the UNU is endeavouring to strengthen its capacity development programmes and its virtual university/online activities. It is also placing emphasis on its work in Africa, especially in regard to natural resource management, food security, comparative regional integration studies, and peace and security.

Prof. Hans van Ginkel, 62, is a national of the Netherlands. Prior to joining the UNU in 1997, he served for 11 years as Rector of Utrecht University (the Netherlands). He is married and has two children. A full biography of UNU Rector van Ginkel can be found online at http://archive.unu.edu/hq/rector_office/rector-cvL.html.