UNU Update

NEW

UNU releases framework to promote
Dialogue of Civilizations
Following five workshops and two international conferences in the past year, the UNU has developed a four-part framework for action to promote the Dialogue of Civilizations.

WIDER book aims to energize debate
on post-Soviet economic transition
The editors of a new book on the efforts of 28 socialist countries to move toward a market economy say that by focusing on economic conditions and the strength of institutions they hope to add new life to the debate over economic transition in the post-Soviet era.

UNU/INWEH enters major agreement
to help address Mideast water crisis
Projects to help address the twin problems of water poverty and pollution in the Middle East will be implemented under a major agreement between the Dubai philanthropist Haj Saeed Bin Ahmed Al-Lootah (right) and the U.N. University’s International Network on Water, Environment and Health.

Applications open for 2002 International Courses
United Nations University is now accepting applications for the third regular session of the UNU/International Courses (UNU/IC), to be held at the UNU Centre in Tokyo May 20 to June 28 next year.

Entries invited for Eisaku Sato essay contest
The Eisaku Sato Memorial Foundation for Cooperation with the United Nations University is now accepting entries for its annual international essay contest.

New book puts case for integration of
environment and development issues
The authors of a new book from UNU Press argue that environmental problems should no longer be viewed as the side effects of development and urge a new approach that promotes their integration.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Africa needs indigenous capacity in science
and technology, says INRA lecturer
Africa must develop an indigenous capacity in science, technology and innovation to foster the continent's economic development, according to Professor Maurice Iwu, executive director of the Nigerian-based Bioresources Development and Conservation Programme.

UPCOMING

UNU schedules three events for start
of International Year of Mountains
United Nations University will mark the start of the International Year of Mountains with three events at UNU Center, Tokyo. The aim is to ensure the well-being of mountain and lowland communities by promoting the conservation and sustainable development of mountain regions.

UNU to host Euro-Japan sustainability seminar
Three international experts in environmental legislation and administration will address a Euro-Japan seminar on the topic Towards Sustainability – Tasks and Challenges at UNU Centre, Tokyo, December 3.

Former UN High Commissioner for
Refugees to give lecture at UNU
The former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata, will deliver the Fridtjof Nansen Memorial Lecture at United Nations University December 12. Mrs. Ogata will speak on the topic “State Security – Human Security.”

Council to discuss major expansion of UNU system
A major expansion of United Nations University activities throughout the world will be on the agenda at the 48th annual meeting of the UNU Council being held in Tokyo December 3 to 7.

Course on conservation of mangrove
ecosystems set for February 4-18
U.N. University and the UNESCO will present the annual International Training Course on Coastal Biodiversity in Mangrove Ecosystems at the Centre of Advanced Studies in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, India from February 4-18.

Climate Affairs Programme to hold workshop in Malaysia
The Climate Affairs Program, a joint venture between UNU, the National Center for Atmospheric Research and University of Malaysia, will hold its first training workshop for the south and southeast Asia region in February.

Calendar of events and meetings for 2002