07 December
Shibuya Symposium: International City of Peace
UNU has been organizing a series of public seminars with Shibuya City Office since 2003. This year's public seminars are focused on "People Building Peace", a successful theme that has drawn much public attention. This symposium attempts to further convey the importance of peace-building efforts to the general public.
Shibuya Symposium: International City of Peace (56 KB PDF)
20 November
Asian University Representatives Adopt Charter to Promote Sustainable Development in Meeting at UNU-IAS
At a two-day meeting held on the 19 and 20 November at United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) in Yokohama, representatives of several leading Asian universities adopted a charter committing to work together to integrate sustainable development into postgraduate courses and curricula. The adoption of the charter formalizes the creation of ProSPER.Net: the Promotion of Sustainability in Postgraduate Education and Research Network.
Asian University Representatives Adopt Charter to Promote Sustainable Development in Meeting at UNU-IAS (44 KB PDF)
16 November
Great Potential to Improve Collection, Recycling of Europe's Electronic Waste, Says UN Report
Low Collection Rates and Consumer Awareness, Rising Need to Harmonize Regulations, Says United Nations University Report for European Commission.
Great Potential to Improve Collection, Recycling of Europe's Electronic Waste, Says UN Report (52 KB PDF)
13 November
Zero Emissions Symposium Will Focus on "Measures to Cope with Global Warming"
The autumn 2007 Zero Emissions Symposium at UN House in Tokyo will examine the influence of ever-increasing global warming, and the advanced measures being taken in the world today for its mitigation.
Zero Emissions Symposium Will Focus on "Measures to Cope with Global Warming" (48 KB PDF)
12 November
UNU-IAS to Hold Public TICAD IV Pre-event on "The Future of Africa"
The Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) will be held in May 2008 in Yokohama. As a contribution to its host city, Yokohama, UNU-IAS is organizing this public symposium to raise the citizens' awareness about TICAD IV and to encourage people to think about how they can become involved in resolving some of the issues facing Africa, such as poverty, hunger, environmental destruction and insufficient education.
UNU-IAS to Hold Public TICAD IV Pre-event on "The Future of Africa" (52 KB PDF)
12 November
UNU Global Seminar Kanazawa Session Public Keynote Lectures to be Held on 22 November
The Opening Ceremony, which will start from 1:30 PM on Thursday, 22 November, will feature two keynote lectures:
- "Human Cultures Faced with Globalization" by Prof. Junzo Kawada, Anthropologist and Visiting Researcher, Institute for the Study of Japanese Folk Culture, Kanagawa University; and
- "Culture Wars: A Global Perspective" by Prof. Lisa Yoneyama, Associate Professor, Department of Literature, University of California, San Diego (USA).
UNU Global Seminar Kanazawa Session Public Keynote Lectures to be Held on 22 November (56 KB PDF)
2 November
UNU Congratulates Its Former Rector, Prof. Dr. Hans van Ginkel, on His Selection to Receive Japan's "Order of the Rising Sun"
It was announced on 3 November that Prof. Dr. Hans van Ginkel, former Rector of United Nations University, has been selected to receive Japan's Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon.
2 November
Working Seminars and Public Symposium on "New Stakes for Cultural Diversity: In Search of Transversal Values through Dialogue"
The idea that while groups of people may clash, "civilizations" will not, arose at the November 2005 international symposium on "Cultural Diversity and Transversal Values: East-West Dialogue on Spiritual-Secular Dynamics", held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. To further deepen this dialogue, a second symposium in the series will be held from 5 through 8 November in Kyoto and Tokyo with the participation of some 25 eminent scholars and researchers.
16 October
Applications Invited for 2008 Session of UNU International Courses
Applications are now being accepted for the ninth annual session of the UNU International Courses, to be held at UNU Centre in Tokyo from 12 May to 20 June 2008.
Applications Invited for 2008 Session of UNU International Courses (92 KB PDF)
11 October
Preparing for Bigger Floods: UNU Begins Training Course in Asia to Mitigate Flood Damage
In an effort to foresee and mitigate flood damage, United Nations University and partners will convene trainees from five South Asian nations next month to begin mapping the dangers to people and property posed by more frequent and more severe storms expected due to climate change. The pilot training programme in Thailand, announced 15 October, is spurred by concern that many people live in areas (including cities) that could be submerged under certain storm conditions.
Preparing for Bigger Floods: UNU Begins Training Course in Asia to Mitigate Flood Damage (56 KB PDF)
11 October
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Will Deliver 2007 Fridtjof Nansen Memorial Lecture on 25 Oct. at UNU
His Excellency Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway, will deliver the 5th Fridtjof Nansen Memorial Lecture at UNU on October 25 from 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Støre's lecture is entitled "Nansen's compass: a global view on human security challenges" and will explore urgent policy issues that cut across the traditional boundaries between the national and international, such as climate change, migration, global health, and humanitarian imperatives, new initiatives to meet these challenges and pave the way for sustainable global development, international solidarity, and a new agenda for governing interdependence.
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Will Deliver 2007 Fridtjof Nansen Memorial Lecture on 25 Oct. at UNU (56 KB PDF)
5 October
Celebrating UN Day 2007
United Nations Day is observed annually to commemorate the founding of the United Nations in October 1945. The aim is to make known to the peoples of the world the goals and achievements of the UN and to gain their support.
Celebrating UN Day 2007 (56 KB PDF)
25 September
Applications Invited for 2007 Okinawa Session of UNU Global Seminars
Applications are now being accepted for the 9th annual UNU Global Seminar Okinawa Session. The session is open to students enrolled in a Japanese university (undergraduate or graduate level) and young professionals residing in Japan.
Applications Invited for 2007 Okinawa Session of UNU Global Seminars (52 KB PDF)
20 September
Ten New Members Appointed to the Council of United Nations University
United Nations University is pleased to announce the appointment of 10 new members to the governing Council of the university. The new appointees replace 10 retiring members of the 24-member Council and will serve for a term of six years, through 2013.
Ten New Members Appointed to the Council of United Nations University (68 KB PDF)
11 September
UNU Global Seminar – Kobe-Awaji Session Public Lectures to be Held on 18 September
The keynote lecture session will start from 2:30 PM on Tuesday, 18 September, with a sponsor's address by Mr. Manabu Shinya, Executive Director of the Kobe International Center for Cooperation and Communication. This will be followed by two keynote speakers: H.E. Hemant Krishan Singh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Japan, and Dr. Kuniko Inoguchi, Member of the House of Representatives, Japan, and Member of the Science Council of Japan.
UNU Global Seminar – Kobe-Awaji Session Public Lectures to be Held on 18 September (146 KB PDF)
29 August
UNU to Host First "Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers"
Young researchers who have shown outstanding performance and research achievements that can lead to agricultural innovation will receive the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council (AFFRC) Chairman's Award. (AFFRC is a special organization established by MAFF.)
UNU to Host First "Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers" (55 KB PDF)
21 August
Seminar with Next President of UNGA: 24 Aug. in Tokyo
H.E. Dr. Srgjan Kerim of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, President of the sixty-second session of the United Nations General Assembly, will share his views and analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing the United Nations system.
Seminar with Next President of UNGA: 24 Aug. in Tokyo (107 KB PDF)
21 August
Transition of UNU Rectorate Will be Marked by Several Major Events on 31 August
Friday, 31 August, marks a major transition in the life of UNU. After a tenure of 10 years, Prof. Dr. Hans van Ginkel of The Netherlands, the fourth Rector of UNU, will hand over the Rectorate to Prof. Dr. Konrad Osterwalder of Switzerland.
Transition of UNU Rectorate Will be Marked by Several Major Events on 31 August (57 KB PDF)
17 August
UNU/UNESCO Conference Will Highlight the Roles of Higher Education in a Globalized World
The ongoing process of globalization is transforming many aspects of modern life, including higher education. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are becoming more internationalized as they both cooperate with and compete against other institutions worldwide, and prepare their students — increasingly coming from abroad — to face the challenge of globalized labour and business markets.
UNU/UNESCO Conference Will Highlight the Roles of Higher Education in a Globalized World (61 KB PDF)
13 August
UNU Global Seminar – Hokkaido Session Public Lecture to be Held on 25 August
The final session of the UNU Global Seminar – Hokkaido Session (student presentations, public lecture and closing ceremony) is free and open to the public. Media representatives are cordially invited to attend. The session starts from 9:00 AM on Saturday, 25 August, with group presentations by UNU Global Seminar – Hokkaido Session participants. This will be followed at 11:00 AM by a lecture on "The Present and Future of Forest Deterioration", delivered by Prof. Hiroyuki Ishi of the Hokkaido University Public Policy School.
UNU Global Seminar – Hokkaido Session Public Lecture to be Held on 25 August (54 KB PDF)
13 August
UNU Global Seminar – Tohoku Session Public Lectures to be Held on 19 August
The opening ceremony starts from 1:10 PM on Sunday, 19 August, with a special lecture by Hiroshi Saito, Governor of Yamagata Prefecture. This will be followed by two keynote lectures: Anne McDonald, Associate Professor, International Center of Miyagi University, will speak on the topic “Development or Destruction?: A History of Human Development and the Environment”; Fujiro Sendo, President of Yamagata University, and Sakae Chitose, President of Chitose Kensetsu Co., Ltd., will discuss “Seeking the Heart of Somokuto”.
UNU Global Seminar – Tohoku Session Public Lectures to be Held on 19 August (61 KB PDF)
20 July
Public Keynote Lectures of UNU Global Seminar - Shimane-Yamaguchi Session to be Held on 4 August
Dr. Shigeru Omi, Regional Director of the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific will speak on the topic of "Health and Civilization", and Dr. Vandana Shiva, founder of the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology (India) will discuss "Food Safety, Food Security and Agriculture". Each lecture will be followed by a question and answer session.
Public Keynote Lectures of UNU Global Seminar - Shimane-Yamaguchi Session to be Held on 4 August (55 KB PDF)
20 July
UNU-IAS, IICRC to Hold Workshop on Sub-global Assessment of Satoyama and Satoumi in Japan
Approximately 40 per cent of land in Japan is classified as satoyama; however, it is being lost or degraded due to increased rural–urban migration, an aging workforce and abandonment, and land–use conversion. This trend threatens the vital ecosystem services of satoyama including biodiversity and genetic resources, diet culture, traditional knowledge and cultural values, climate regulation, and disease and pest regulation.
UNU-IAS, IICRC to Hold Workshop on Sub-global Assessment of Satoyama and Satoumi in Japan (95 KB PDF)
20 July
Applications Invited for 2007 Kanazawa Session of UNU Global Seminars
Applications are now being accepted for the 7th annual UNU Global Seminar – Kanazawa Session. The session is open to students enrolled in a Japanese university (undergraduate or graduate level) and young professionals residing in Japan.
Applications Invited for 2007 Kanazawa Session of UNU Global Seminars (54 KB PDF)
28 June
Desertification: Experts Prescribe Global Policy Overhaul to Avoid Looming Mass Migrations
One-third of all people on Earth — about 2 billion in number — are potential victims of desertification’s creeping effect. And, left unchecked, the number of people at risk of displacement due to severe desertification is an estimated 50 million over the next 10 years – a sweep of migrants worldwide equal in number to the entire population of South Africa or South Korea.
Desertification: Experts Prescribe Global Policy Overhaul to Avoid Looming Mass Migrations (60 KB PDF)
27 June
New UNU Analysis Warns That Desertification Is "One of the Greatest Environmental Challenge of Our Times"
On Thursday, 28 June, at United Nations Headquarters in New York, United Nations University (UNU) experts will present an analysis that urges governments to overhaul their policy approaches to the issue of desertification.
New UNU Analysis Warns That Desertification Is "One of the Greatest Environmental Challenge of Our Times" (136 KB PDF)
27 June
2007 UNU Public Seminar: UNU to Host Public Seminar with Shibuya Ward
UNU has organized public seminars with Shibuya City Office since 2003. The seminars are intended to provide opportunities for lifelong learning to the residents of Shibuya as well as those who work and study in the ward. Since their inauguration, the seminars have been attended by more than a hundred people per session. This year seminars will be held each Thursday evening in July in the Elizabeth Rose Conference Hall at UN House.
2007 UNU Public Seminar: UNU to Host Public Seminar with Shibuya Ward (44 KB PDF)
22 June
UNU to Host Roundtable on Economic Development and Environment in Central Asia
This roundtable seeks to contribute to an improved understanding of the geopolitical, socio-economic and environmental situation in Central Asia. Participants will discuss these in relation to issues of political instability, economic insecurity, migration, environmental vulnerability, and options for regional and international cooperation.
UNU to Host Roundtable on Economic Development and Environment in Central Asia (52 KB PDF)
22 June
UNU to Host Symposium on The Challenge of Mountains
The symposium will bring together leading Japanese and international scientists and policy makers working on mountain issues in Central Asia.
UNU to Host Symposium on The Challenge of Mountains (52 KB PDF)
18 June
Guyana President Jagdeo Will Speak at UNU on 25 June
United Nations University and the Inter-American Development Bank Office in Japan, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, are organizing a lecture by H.E. President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana on the occasion of his official visit to Japan, which commemorates the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Japan (established in June 1967). President Jagdeo will speak on "The Challenges of Small States in Promoting Development for a Sustainable Future."
Guyana President Jagdeo Will Speak at UNU on 25 June (52 KB PDF)
11 June
Applications Invited for 2007 Tohoku Session of UNU Global Seminars
Applications are now being accepted for the 6th annual UNU Global Seminar – Tohoku Session. The session is open to students enrolled in a Japanese university (undergraduate or graduate level) and young professionals residing in Japan.
Applications Invited for 2007 Tohoku Session of UNU Global Seminars (52 KB PDF)
11 June
Applications Invited for 2007 Hokkaido Session of UNU Global Seminars
Applications are now being accepted for the 7th annual UNU Global Seminar – Hokkaido Session. The session is open to students enrolled in a Japanese university (undergraduate or graduate level) and young professionals residing in Japan.
Applications Invited for 2007 Hokkaido Session of UNU Global Seminars (52 KB PDF)
15 May
2007 Africa Day Symposium Will Be Held on 25 May
The annual Africa Day Symposium in 2007 will highlight the main policy-actions recently adopted by the Japanese Government and its agencies — namely, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) — to boost trade and investment flows with Africa.
2007 Africa Day Symposium Will Be Held on 25 May (52 KB PDF)
14 May
UNU-IAS to Celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity
On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity 2007, UNU-IAS, MOEJ and GEIC will hold a seminar that brings together high-level policy makers, such as the heads of UN agencies dealing with biological diversity (UN Convention on Biological Diversity) and climate change (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), as well as representatives other UN agencies in Japan, the Ministry of the Environment, non-governmental organizations, media and the private sector.
UNU-IAS to Celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity (52 KB PDF)
9 May
UN Secretary-General Appoints Prof. Konrad Osterwalder of Switzerland as Rector of United Nations University
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Professor Konrad Osterwalder of Switzerland as the next Rector of United Nations University.
UN Secretary-General Appoints Prof. Konrad Osterwalder of Switzerland as Rector of United Nations University (56 KB PDF)
7 May
WIPO and UNU to Hold Joint Symposium on the Economic Impact of Intellectual Property Systems
This symposium will present the results of the current research project that is being undertaken across the Asia-Pacific region and coordinated by the WIPO Japan Office. IP and economic experts from five countries of different economic size and capacity and with different industrial bases — China, India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea and Viet Nam — have independently undertaken this research using the same methodology, under the leadership of the Chief Expert from Japan.
WIPO and UNU to Hold Joint Symposium on the Economic Impact of Intellectual Property Systems (56 KB PDF)
24 April
Applications Invited for 2007 Shonan Session of UNU Global Seminars
Participants in the 2007 UNU Global Seminar Shonan Session will explore the contributions that various actors (sovereign states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, civil society, the private sector and epistemic communities) can and should make for forming a new global order, with special reference to the missions of the United Nations.
Applications Invited for 2007 Shonan Session of UNU Global Seminars (52 KB PDF)
12 April
Applications Invited for 2007 Shimane-Yamaguchi Session of UNU Global Seminars
UNU Global Seminars are designed to enhance awareness among university students and young professionals about issues of global concern. In 2007, a series of seven sessions will be held in locations throughout Japan.
Applications Invited for 2007 Shimane-Yamaguchi Session of UNU Global Seminars (51 KB PDF)
26 March
International Court of Justice President to Speak at UNU
Open Seminar with H.E. Mrs. Rosalyn Higgins, President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and Subsequent Panel Discussion
International Court of Justice President to Speak at UNU (52 KB PDF)
9 March
UNU to Host Symposium on Capacity Building in Africa
If the developing countries of Africa are to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (such as Goal 1, which aims to halve poverty by 2015), they must quickly strengthen their institutional capacities at both the governmental and private sector levels. Yet much of the continent is experiencing "brain drain", with highly educated and skilled persons emigrating to developed countries in search of better working and living conditions.
UNU to Host Symposium on Capacity Building in Africa (56 KB PDF)
7 March
UNU/IDB Seminar Will Feature Keynote Speech by ECLAC Executive Secretary Machinea
This seminar will serve as a forum for discussion about the social and economic dimensions that define the development process of countries in Latin American and the Caribbean region, and the challenges these countries face in their efforts to attain sustainable and equitable growth.
UNU/IDB Seminar Will Feature Keynote Speech by ECLAC Executive Secretary Machinea (56 KB PDF)
7 March
UN, Industry, Others Partner to Create World Standards for E-Scrap Recycling, Harvest of Valuable Components
Major high-tech manufacturers, including Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, Dell, Ericsson, Philips and Cisco Systems, join UN, governmental, NGO and academic institutions, along with recycling/refurbishing companies as charter members of the initiative, officially launched March 7.
UN, Industry, Others Partner to Create World Standards for E-Scrap Recycling, Harvest of Valuable Components (152 KB PDF)
6 March
UNU Will Host Lecture by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
On 13 March, UNU will host a lecture by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia. President Sirleaf will focus her lecture on how women contribute to African development, and how the mainstreaming of gender equity can further enhance the abilities of communities to support local and national progress.
UNU Will Host Lecture by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (56 KB PDF)
2 March
Prof. Mohamed Salleh Mohamed Yasin Appointed as Director of New UNU International Institute for Global Health
The United Nations University (UNU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Mohamed Salleh Mohamed Yasin as Director of the newly established UNU International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH). Based in Kuala Lumpur, UNU-IIGH is the newest addition to the global network of UNU Research and Training Centres/Programmes (UNU RTC/Ps).
28 February
Advance Notice: UNU Events in March
UNU has several major public events scheduled for the month of March that you may be interested in covering. You will receive a detailed media release about each of these events; this listing is being provided to help you plan ahead.
Advance Notice: UNU Events in March (52 KB PDF)
28 February
UNU-IAS, IICRC to Launch Sub-global Assessment of Satoyama and Satoumi in Japan on 8 March
Approximately 40 per cent of land in Japan is classified as satoyama. However, a combination of factors (including increased rural–urban migration, land-use conversion and the abandonment of traditional agricultural cultivation) is causing extensive degradation or loss of satoyama. Since late 2006, United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies and its Special Programme, Ishikawa International Cooperation Research Centre, have been preparing to launch the Sub-Global Assessment (SGA) of Satoyama and Satoumi in Japan.
UNU-IAS, IICRC to Launch Sub-global Assessment of Satoyama and Satoumi in Japan on 8 March (52 KB PDF)
28 February
UNU Will Host Seminar on Basic Education Development in Africa
To mark the conclusion of their visit to United Nations University, UNU is organizing a panel discussion and seminar for participants in the Asia–Africa University Dialogue for Basic Education Development Project.
UNU Will Host Seminar on Basic Education Development in Africa (52 KB PDF)
23 February
UN Agencies in Japan Will Commemorate International Women's Day with Public Forum
To celebrate International Women's Day 2007, UN-related organizations in Japan are collaborating to organize a symposium on 8 March at UN House in Tokyo on the theme of "Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls".
UN Agencies in Japan Will Commemorate International Women's Day with Public Forum (112 KB PDF)
23 February
UNU to Host "Japan Model United Nations" Presentation
For a number of years, UNU and the Japan Model United Nations have been working together to strengthen and encourage the participation of Japanese university students in Model United Nations activities. UNU fully supports Model United Nations activities as a means to encourage global thinking, interest in the UN, and interaction with Japanese higher education.
UNU to Host "Japan Model United Nations" Presentation (48 KB PDF)
23 January
UNU-IAS To Hold Seminar on Mainstreaming Biodiversity into the Millennium Development Goals
The first UNU-IAS Biodiplomacy Discourse Seminar (which commemorates the beginning of the second decade of UNU-IAS operations) will address key questions relating to biological diversity and the Millennium Development Goals.
UNU-IAS To Hold Seminar on Mainstreaming Biodiversity into the Millennium Development Goals (56 KB PDF)
11 January
6th Kids' ISO 14000 Programme Award Ceremony at UN House on 27 January
The Kids' ISO 14000 Programme is an international programme for environmental education of children. UNU, which was the first UN organization to receive ISO14000 certification, has been supporting and promoting the Kids' ISO 14000 Programme since 2000.
6th Kids' ISO 14000 Programme Award Ceremony (56 KB PDF)
◊◊◊
Page last modified 2019.04.16.
