Nations Unies

CENTRAi/"X CHRON

UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES

S, N.r. IOO17

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

CABINET DU SECRETAIRE GENERAL

REFERENCE:

11 April 2000

Dear

I would like to thank you for your letter of 2 March, enclosing the " Strategy and Program" for the University for Peace.

The partnerships and initiatives that have been proposed have the potential to make a significant contribution to the revitalization of the University for Peace. It is gratifying to know that the response has already been positive. As you are aware, these efforts have the support of the Secretary-General

I am grateful to you for sharing your thinking at this stage and look forward to discussing these plans with you in more detail.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Maurice Strong Rector University for Peace Ciudad Colon UNITED NATIONS

UNIVERSIDAD PARA LA PAZ UNIVERSITY FOR PEACE CREATED BY U.N. GENERALASSEMBLY, RES. / 35 / 55. DEC. 5. 1980

President of the Council

February 17,2000 MFS-060-00

Mr. S. Iqbal Riza Chef de Cabinet Executive Office of the Secretary General United Nations New York

Dear Iqbal:

I finally received tbejnputs of our Council members jyhich have enabled us to complete the documentation of our Strategy of revitalising the University for Peace and our plans for developing and implementing it. I am now enclosing an Executive'Suinmary along with a package of the more detailed documents on which this is: Based.

I am pleased to say that I am getting some encouraging responses on our efforts to develop partnerships with universities and institutions along the way and potential sources of support. I look forward to-the opportunity ,pf discussing our plans and activities with you in the near future,.

In the meantime I do hope that the New Year and the New Millennium has started well for you and that all your hopes and aspirations for it will be fulfilled.

Best personal regards.

Yours sincerely,

Maurice Strong Rector

"Si vis pacem, para pacem" Tels.: (506) 249-2980 - 249-1513 / Apartado 138 - 6100 Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica, C.A. / Fax: (506) 249-2970 E-mail: [email protected] UNITED NATIONS

UNIVERSITY FOR PEA

President of the Council

February 17, 2000 MFS-059-00

0 ILLU. Ms. Louise Frechette Deputy Secretary-General MAR 14 aw m United Nations New York

Dear Louise:

I really haven't had much of an oppojtunity to reportjo you on our efforts to help revitalize the University foTTPeiiE^ I had been looking forward to seeing you in Tokyo at the UN University Symposium but in the final analysis, I was not able to make it. In the meantime, I am enclosing the Executive Summary of the Strategy and Progjamjapprovgd by our Council to guIdlTus in the process of revitalizmg'The UruversitylHdlievelopments which we are nowmiderFaking as well as a package of the more detailed background documents on which this summary is based.

I wouldn't expect you to read all of this, but it will give you an up to date dossier on the University for Peace and I hope we can meet soon as I would very much welcome your advice and guidance. ~" ~"~~ »-«->=—-• — ._„«....~,._.....», ..„,,.. ,...,,..,^; f

Meanwhile, I do hope that the New Year and the New Millennium have started well for you and that all your best hopes and aspirations for it will be fulfilled.

Best personal regards.

Yours sincerely, \ / ^ rn Maurice F. Strong Rector

"Si vis pacem, para pacem" Tels.: (506) 249-2980 - 249-1513 / Apartado 138 - 6100 Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica, C.A. / Fax: (506) 249-2970 E-mail: [email protected] PD/3.3 14th February 2000

Budget for the University for Peace for the Preparatory Year 2000

This Note with its Annexes provides information on the Core Budget, the Programme Budget and the Capital Budget for UPEACE for the Year 2000. It sets out the basis for the projected financial requirements of UPEACE for the year 2000, summarized as follows:

Projected Financial Requirements for 2000

1. Core Budget (for ongoing programs) $ 4,126,000

2. Programme Development Budget $ 8,050,000 Minimum (1) $4,150,000

3. Capital Budget (3 years 2000-2002) $15,500,000 Minimum (1) for 2000 $3,300,000

1. Core Budget

1. Administration- The University for Peace, has been functioning since its establishment by the General Assembly in 1980, without normally acceptable administrative procedures, personnel policies or salary scale. Rectifying this situation has been the most immediate priority for the new administration and significant progress has been made in professionalizing University policies and procedures.

2. Staffing and Salaries- The overall staff structure and total salary estimates for 2000 are set out in Annex 1. With effect from 1st January 2000, all staff have been placed under contract and covered for accident insurance . A new salary scale will be established based on the standards of IUCN (The World Conservation Union) but taking into account the particular requirements of UPEACE. The salary scales of IUCN have been used as a guide but, in most cases, the salaries will be much below those of the United Nations and other international organizations and less than that of IUCN, an organisation which has both governments and NGO's as members. The salary scale for international staff has to be higher than for local staff in order to attract qualified staff under competitive conditions.

Note 1: "Minimum" implies the minimum estimated financial requirements to proceed with the programme activities and the development of UPEACE as outlined in the Strategy. 3. Travel: The travel cost of $250,000 is mainly for the Rector's office including his special advisers. Considering the extensive travel to be undertaken to establish partnerships and obtain funding, this amount is less than it might otherwise be, mainly because most of the Rector's travel costs are covered from other sources and he receives no remuneration.

4. Consultants: At present, the University for Peace has very few staff with wide international experience. Engaging professional personnel as short-term consultants is the only way to bring to UPEACE the talent and skills required during the preparatory phase. The expected expenditure for this is about $600,000.

5. Meetings: In addition to the annual meeting of the UPEACE Council in the year 2000, there will be at least two meetings of the Executive Committee to provide direction and guidance on follow-up activities and on issues of an urgent nature.

6. Equipment: At present, UPEACE does not have a PBX telephone exchange which can handle more than 8 lines. A modern communications system based on fiber-optic cables is in the process of being agreed and installed. Also included in this budget line are new computers and a very good Internet service.

7. Refurbishing of Buildings: The buildings require upgrading The water and drainage systems must be renewed and new three phase electrical wiring is needed, (this has just been provided free of charge by the National Company for Power and Electricity, including three new transformers.) Wiring is also required to accommodate a 100 Mbps Ethernet network. Some major repairs are necessary: the buildings have not been properly maintained for a number of years.

8. When funds become available, it is proposed to undertake major additional work, such as a new parking area, an expanded cafeteria, a new multi-level auditorium with the capacity for 200 persons with simultaneous interpretation equipment, a new lecture room building and other facilities and amenities.

9. The proposed UPEACE core budget for the Year 2000 is set out in Annex 2.

2. Programme Budget

10. The Programme Budget estimates set out in Annex 3 are necessarily of an indicative nature. They will be refined and elaborated during the programme development process. The actual figures will vary, depending on in-kind support from and arrangements with partners. 3. Capital Budget.

11. The estimates of capital expenditure set out in Annex 4 are preliminary only, particularly in respect of the larger amounts for which more detailed estimates will be developed during the preparatory phase. The estimates relate to the three year preparatory and development phases, 2000-2002. While some of the costs required to meet immediate needs will be incurred during the year 2000, the major part of the projected capital expenditures will extend over a longer period.

Upaz-hudget3.020 Annex 2 PD/3/3 14th February 2000

Proposed UPEACE Core Budget for the Year 2000 (For ongoing programs)

$US

Salaries and Benefits 2,261,000

Travel, excluding project-related travel 250,000

Consultants, short-term faculty and experts 600,000

Annual Council and Executive Committee meetings 200,000

Translation, printing and stationery 125,000

Communications 220,000

Legal and audit fees 75,000

Miscellaneous, including rental 25,000

Equipment, including new telephone PBX 60,000

Maintenance of buildings, monuments, equipment and vehicles 200,000

Minor repairs to buildings, to meet immediate requirements 110,000

TOTAL, CORE BUDGET 4,126,000 Annex 3 PD/3.3 14th February 2000

Proposed UPEACE Programme Development Budget for the Year 2000

The estimates set out below are necessarily of an indicative nature. They will be refined and elaborated during the programme development process. The actual figures will vary, depending on in-kind support from and arrangements with partners.

$US Minimum*

1. Programme Development Office (Geneva)

Staff costs including benefits: Executive Director 150,000 Senior Programme Officer 100,000 Support Staff 80,000 Travel 170,000 Communication etc. 150,000

Total 650,000 650,000

2.a Current Activities at UPEACE.

.1 The International Documentation and Information Center 500,000 200,000

2.b Activities Closely Related to UPEACE.

.1 The World Research and Information Center for Peace 200,000 100,000 .2 The Gandhi Center for Communications 250,000 100,000 .3 Radio for Peace International, separately funded.

Note 1: "Minimum" implies the minimum estimated financial requirements to proceed with the programme activities and the development of UPEACE as outlined in the Strategy. Annex 3

2.c New Research and Education Activities.

. 1 Ombudsman Function 900,000 250,000 .2 Peace Parks 300,000 100,000 .3 Faculty and Fellows of the University for Peace, (to be funded from the core budget.) .4 Review of Research in Progress at other Institutions 250,000 100,000 .5 Special Studies, 7 @ $150,000 each 1,050,000 700,000 (The actual figure will vary depending on support in kind and partnership contributions)

2.d The Preparation of Future Activities 5 activities @ $200,000 each. 1,000,000 500,000 (The actual figure will vary depending on support in kind and partnership contributions)

2 .e Targeted Research on Key Policy Issues 3 topics @ $300,000 900,000 300,000

2.f Collaborative Activities with other Institutions

. 1 International networks of peace research and education 1,300,000 500,000 .2 Collaboration on course materials, included in relevant programme items. .3 Developing a system of open learning and distance education, first phase. 500,000 500,000 .4 Public outreach 250,000 150,000

TOTAL, PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT 8,050,000 4,150,000 Annex 4 PD/3.3 14th February 2000

Proposed UPEACE Capital Budget for the Three Year Preparatory and Development Phases, 2000-2002

The estimates of capital expenditure set out below are preliminary only, particularly in respect of the larger amounts for which more detailed estimates will be developed during the preparatory phase. While some of the costs required to meet immediate needs will be incurred during the year 2000, the major part of the projected capital expenditures will extend over a longer period.

$US

Full Period Year 2000

The International Documentation and Information Center 1.500,000 500,000

Developing a System of Open Learning and Distance Education 4,500,000 1.000,000

Purchase of computers, printers, photocopy and fax machines 150,000 150,000

Purchase of 1 bus, 2 mini-buses and 2 cars 250,000 250,000

New auditorium with capacity for 200 and simultaneous interpretation 700,000

Refurbishing parking area, special pathway, expanding kitchen and renovating lecture rooms 400,000 400,000

Housing for students, faculty and rector 8,000,000 1,000,000

TOTAL, CAPITAL BUDGET 15,500,000 3,300,000 UNITED A NATIONS

General Assembly

Distr. GENERAL

A/RES/54/29 2 February 2000

Fifty-fourth session Agenda item 21

RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[without reference to a Main Committee (A/54/L.30 and Add])]

54/29. University for Peace

The General Assembly,

Recalling that in its resolution 34/111 of 14 December 1979 it approved the idea of establishing the University for Peace as a specialized international centre for postgraduate studies, research and the dissemination of knowledge specifically aimed at training and education for peace and its universal promotion within the United Nations system,

Recalling also that in its resolution 35/55 of 5 December 1980 it approved the establishment of the University for Peace in conformity with the International Agreement for the Establishment of the University for Peace,1

Recalling further its resolutions 45/8 of 24 October 1990, 46/11 of 24 October 1991 and 48/9 of 25 October 1993,

Recalling that in its resolution 46/11 it decided to include in the agenda of its forty-eighth session and biennially thereafter an item entitled "University for Peace",

Recalling also its resolution 50/41 of 8 December 1995, in which it decided to request the Secretary-General to consider ways of strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the

1 See resolution 35/55, annex.

00 27440 /.-. V

A/RES/54/29 Page 2

University for Peace and to submit a report thereon to the General Assembly at its fifty-second session,

Recalling further its adoption on 13 September 1999 of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace,2

Noting that in 1991 the Secretary-General, with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme, established a Trust Fund for Peace consisting of voluntary contributions in order to provide the University with the means necessary to extend its sphere of activity to the whole world, taking full advantage of its potential capacity for education, research and support of the United Nations and to cany out its mandate of promoting peace in the world,

Noting with appreciation that the Government of Uruguay, by agreement with the University for Peace, established in 1997 a World Centre for Research and Information on Peace as regional sub- headquarters of the University for South America,

Noting also with appreciation the vigorous actions taken by the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and with the encouragement and support of the Government of Costa Rica, to revitalize the University,5

Noting that the University has placed special emphasis on the area of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peace-building and peaceful settlement of disputes, and that it has launched programmes in the areas of democratic consensus-building and training of academic experts in the techniques of peaceful settlement of conflicts,

Noting also that the University has launched a broad programme for building a culture of peace in Central America and the Caribbean in the context of the efforts being made by the United Nations and by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for the development and promotion of a culture of peace,

Noting with appreciation that the University is organizing a symposium in celebration of the International Year of Older Persons, 1999, at which it will emphasize the valuable contribution that older persons can make to the promotion of peace, solidarity, tolerance and the culture of peace,

Recognizing the important and varied activities carried out by the University during the period 1997-1999, within its financial limitations and with the valuable assistance and contributions of Governments, foundations and non-governmental organizations,

Considering the importance of promoting education for peace that fosters respect for the values inherent in peace and universal coexistence among persons, including respect for the life, dignity and integrity of human beings, as well as friendship and solidarity among peoples irrespective of their nationality, race, sex, religion or culture,

Considering that, by its resolution 52/15 of 20 November 1997, the General Assembly proclaimed

2 Resolution 53/243. 3 A/54/312, para.2. A/RES/54/29 Page 3

the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace and that it should be ushered in with One Day in Peace, 1 January 2000,

1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General4 submitted pursuant to resolution 52/9 of 4 November 1997, on ways of strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the University for Peace;

2. Requests the Secretary-General to consider using the services of the University in his conflict- resolution and peace-building efforts;

3. Invites Member States, intergovernmental bodies, non-governmental organizations and interested individuals to contribute directly to the Trust Fund for Peace or to the budget of the University;

4. Invites Member States to accede to the International Agreement for the Establishment of the University for Peace, thereby demonstrating their support for an educational institution devoted to the promotion of a universal culture of peace;

5. Invites Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and all the peoples of the world to celebrate One Day in Peace, 1 January 2000;

6. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-sixth session the item entitled "University for Peace". 56th plenary meeting 18 November 1999

4 A/54/312. i-v

United Nations A/:'54/312

Distr.: General General Assembly 2 September 1999

Original: English

Fifty-fourth session Item 21 of the provisional agenda* University for Peace

University for Peace Report of the Secretary-General

I. Introduction the main focus of the United Nations involvement. The present report focuses on the steps that have been taken and 1. At its fifty-second session, in resolution 52/9, of the prospects for the future. 4 November 1997, the General Assembly recognized the 3. In the process of reform, proposals were guided by the varied activities carried out by the University for Peace conviction that the role of the University for Peace and the despite the limitations that impeded the full development of need to implement its mandate are stronger than ever before. its activities and programmes for carrying out its important In a world riven by conflicts, the peace and security role of mandate. The Assembly invited financial contributions to the United Nations has become more important and complex. the University, invited Member States to accede to the Recent upheavals have demonstrated the importance of International Agreement for the Establishment of the preventing and resolving conflicts. The main victims of University for Peace, and requested the Secretary-General many of these conflicts are largely civilian non- to consider ways of strengthening cooperation between the combatants —particularly women, children and the elderly. United Nations and the University for Peace. The three The human costs of conflicts are immense, and the wounds closely interlinked issues of financial support, political they inflict on the attitudes of people and then- support, and the revitalization of the University, through relationships with one another heal much more slowly than effective governance and management structures, have been their physical wounds. This reinforces the necessity of of primary concern in the steps that have been taken by the developing a "culture of peace" which will entrench within Secretary-General, the Director-General of UNESCO and societies the values, the attitudes and the bonds of common the Council of the University. The present report draws interests, which transcend the differences from which extensively on information provided by the Council in conflicts arise. accordance with decisions taken at its tenth session (Paris, 4. Peace is not a static concept particularly, when the 29-30 March 1999). status quo reinforces continuing inequities, injustices and 2. Since 1997, and especially in 1999, vigorous actions tyranny. We live in a world of unprecedented wealth — and to revitalize the University involving the Secretary-General, opportunity — but one in which gross inequities and UNESCO and the host Government, Costa Rica, have been imbalances continue to deprive major portions of the world's population of the benefits which our technological civilization now makes possible. The fact that we have A/54/150. greater concentrations of wealth than ever and more poor and A/54/312 deprived challenges the moral basis of our civilization. The non-governmental constituencies in addressing peace and gulf between the beneficiaries and those left out in the security issues. Although this feature has been utilized thus process of globalization is growing. Redressing the gross far to only a limited extent, it will have much greater imbalances and inequities to which this gives rise is a relevance and value in the period ahead, in which new prerequisite to sustained and sustainable peace. It is the public/private partnerships and alliances will provide the primary challenge for the twenty-first century. most effective means of dealing with the complex issues that 5. The process of change is itself a source of tension and bear on peace and security. The University for Peace is also potential conflict which must be addressed realistically. The the only truly international university that has the authority prevention of conflicts and maintenance of peace is to grant degrees, which it does at the Master's and Doctor's therefore, largely a matter of learning to manage the level. processes of dynamic change required to enable all to have 10. The University for Peace receives no financing from access to the benefits that the globalization has made the United Nations budget, and it must seek its financing possible. This is why the goal of achieving and maintaining entirely from voluntary contributions. Since its inception, peace and security must be pursued with development that the University for Peace has received only limited funding is sustainable in economic, environmental, social and human from a relatively few sources, and its programmes have terms and that redresses the imbalances and inequities from necessarily been modest in scale and largely confined to which conflicts arise. Central and South America. In 1991, the Secretary-General, 6. Many lessons are to be learned from the past with the cooperation of the United Nations Development experiences of the United Nations in its peacemaking and Programme, created a special trust fund to help the peacekeeping operations which can help produce better and University cover operating costs, but funds remain low. more effective means of preventing and resolving future 11. The governing body of the University for Peace conflicts. consists of a Council composed of 15 members appointed 7. It is in this context that the mission of the University by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in for Peace is to be pursued, in order to strengthen it and consultation with the Director-General of UNESCO. They extend its programmes and capacities so as to enable it to include two nominees of the host country, Costa Rica, and, fulfil the purpose for which it was established by the General as ex-officio members, representatives of the United Assembly. Nations, UNESCO and the United Nations University. The Executive Head of the University is the Rector, appointed by the Council. Most of the programmes and activities of the II. Background University have been carried out at its campus. In addition, there is the World Centre for Research and Information on Peace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, and, there are programme 8. The University for Peace was established in December representatives in six other Central American countries, as 1980 pursuant to resolution 35/55 of the General Assembly, well as in Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Italy, to "provide humanity with an international institution of and Peru. higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, to stimulate cooperation among people and to help lessen obstacles and threats to III. Steps for revitalization world peace and progress, in keeping with the noble aspirations proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations". Appointment of new members to the It is headquartered in the outskirts of San Jose", Costa Rica. Council 9. The University has a unique constitutional status 12. Recently, as part of the continuing programme of within the United Nations family, having been established United Nations reform, the Secretary-General, with the by an international agreement approved by the General support and advise of the UNESCO Director-General and Assembly. It exists outside the normal framework of the encouragement and support of the Government of Costa reporting and accountability requirements that apply to most Rica, has taken steps to reorganize, strengthen and more United Nations organizations and agencies. This gives it an fully internationalize the University for Peace, so as to unusual degree of operating autonomy and flexibility and enable it to contribute more effectively to the peace and enables it to serve as a link between the governmental and security programmes of the United Nations and the goals of A/54/312 its Charter. The Council was reconstituted with entirely new financial statements of the University up to date, and an members, who met at UNESCO headquarters on 29 and extensive review is being carried out of all current 30 March 1999. At that meeting Maurice Strong of Canada programmes, relationships and practices. While most of the was elected President of the Council and assumed the principal deficiencies are in the process of being rectified, additional responsibilities of Rector until such time a new it will take some time to implement fully the changes Rector is appointed. The Council also elected Elizabeth required to meet the standards now being set for the Odio, Vice-President of Costa Rica, as Vice-President of the University. Council. The second Costa Rican nominee, Ambassador Sonia Picado, was also appointed to the Council. An Executive Committee has been established by the Council Current programmes to exercise its functions until its next session. 16. The following programmes are currently in operation: 13. The new administration has initiated a process of thorough review of all the University's existing programmes, (a) Culture for peace and democracy in Central capacities and facilities, to develop a new long-term strategy America. This programme, promoted by the Central with accompanying programme proposals, budget, work and American Governments and covering their respective management plans to be presented to the Council at its countries, has been operating since 1994. Emphasis is on November meeting. At that meeting the Council will also education for peace to different sectors, in cooperation with consider a strategic partnership with the Earth Council, a local organizations; global non-governmental organization founded as a result (b) Consensus-building and conflict resolution in of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Central America. This programme, initiated in 1996, in Development (Rio de Janeiro, June 1992) and also situated cooperation with local universities, is directed towards in San Jose". The Earth Council's goals and programmes have leaders of civil society. Training modules have been a significant degree of common interest and complementarity prepared; with the goals and programmes of the University for Peace, and such an alliance would produce, in turn, significant (c) Natural resources and peace. At present efforts benefits in terms of programming and of cost-effectiveness are limited to offering six short international courses, of for each organization. from two to three weeks' duration, in continuation of efforts initiated in 1987; (d) Doctorate in communications for peace. This Administration and finance programme is offered jointly with the University of La Laguna in Tenerife, Canary Islands, but all courses are 14. One of the most serious impediments to the ability of given at the University for Peace. A high quality thesis is an the University for Peace in recent years to fulfil its mission essential requisite. Twenty-five students are working and meet the expectations for which it was established has towards the degree; been the disorderly state of its administrative, personnel and accounting practices and the lack of oversight and (e) Master's degree in human rights and education accountability. Until the meeting of the newly constituted for peace. Twenty-six students are following the five- trimester course schedule, with emphasis on perception of Council in March 1999, there had been no meeting of the Council since 1994, largely because of financial constraints. human rights, legal status, mediation and consensus. The degree is given jointly with the Costa Rican National No audited financial statements have been prepared since University; 1993. The action taken by the Secretary-General was designed to rectify this situation and to prepare the (f) World Centre for Research and Information on University for Peace for a new era of service to and in Peace. Located in Montevideo, Uruguay, the Centre aims to support of the peace and security goals of the United support communication with data banks related to conflict Nations. and peace; 15. The new administration has concentrated initially on (g) Gandhi Television Centre for Communication refurbishing the administrative personnel and accounting and Peace. This programme produces videos related to procedures and practices with the object of bringing them conflict and peace, and is self-supporting; to the highest international professional standards. An (h) Radio for Peace International. The station independent audit has been commissioned to bring the broadcasts short wave peace-related programmes as well as A/54/312

lecture materials ("University of the Air") which are heard Union (IUCN), with its broad experience in the natural throughout much of the world. It is estimated that around resources field and worldwide network of professional 100,000 people listen to the emissions hi five languages. members; Although situated on the campus of the University for Peace (c) Environment, natural resources and peace. This and cooperating closely with it, Radio for Peace programme consists of selective educational programmes International raises its own funds and accounts to its own building on existing ones of the University in this field, board of trustees; including programmes undertaken in cooperation with some (i) CEDIPAZ. This programme operates as a centre of the leading universities in the field, leading to joint for documentation and information for peace as well as the degrees at the Master's and Doctor's level; University library. (d) Peace parks. Although a number of peace parks 17. Although these programmes have provided the have been established in various parts of the world and University with some valuable experience, they have not others are under development or consideration, there is no been on a scale or had the scope necessary to enable the international focal point for the development of common University to fulfil its global mission. standards and criteria and for the exchange of experience, nor is there a centre of knowledge and support for the development of new peace parks. Yet peace parks are being Prospective programmes increasingly recognized both for creating zones of peace in sensitive boundary areas and for protecting important 18. Initial programme priorities will concentrate on those natural/biological resources. IUCN has joined with the areas in which past experience and some of the promising University for Peace in exploring the prospects of joint new opportunities now being developed provide the development of a programme which would meet this need; University with a significant comparative advantage. Some (e) The moral and spiritual foundations of peace of the programmes now being considered are: (inner peace). The values, ethics and spiritual qualities that (a) Culture of peace. This will consist of motivate people at the deepest level are the sources of the programmes contributing to the development of a "culture attitudes and behaviour which provide the foundations for of peace", based on the experience gained by the University peace. There are significant indications of interest in and in its culture of peace programme in Central America and support for a University for Peace programme in this area; the leadership and cooperation of UNESCO, which has (f) The media and peace. Recent conflicts in the undertaken major responsibility for the guidance and Balkans have demonstrated the pervasive influence of the development of the programme. media in shaping the attitudes that foster and sustain The year 2000, which was proclaimed by the General conflicts, on the one hand, and promote peace, on the other. Assembly as International Year for the Culture of Peace,1 Radio for Peace International, an affiliate of the University provides a timely occasion for the process of revival of the for Peace, has already demonstrated the value of the media University for Peace. In elaborating its future strategy and in promoting peace; programme, the University will derive valuable guidance (g) Economic development and peace. The linkages from the principles and modes of action included in the between economic development and the preservation of Declaration and the Programme of Action on a Culture of peace are clearly of fundamental importance. Economic Peace,2 which includes a decision to expand initiatives failure, sustained unemployment, economic inequities and promoting a culture of peace undertaken by institutions of injustice create the conditions for violence and conflict at higher education in various parts of the world, including the the local level, the national level and the international level. University for Peace; The preservation of peace in the next century will depend (b) An "ombudsman". For the prevention and on achieving more equitable patterns of economic resolution of conflicts, particularly in respect of conflicts development which strengthen solidarity, reducing poverty, involving environment and natural resource issues of a trans- inequality, exclusion and the grounds for conflict; boundary nature, the ombudsman would draw upon the (h) Democracy and peace. Recent events have experience of the University for Peace in its conflict underscored the relationship between democracy and peace. resolution programmes in Central America, the Earth With the process of democratization, people looked eagerly Council in the extensive work it has done in designing an towards new efforts to resolve conflicts. Important lessons ombudsman programme, and on the World Conservation A/54/312 to be learned from the recent conflicts in Africa and Asia 22. There is encouraging evidence that the University will might be an appropriate field of research for the University be able to attract some of the most able and respected people for Peace. It is now hi the process of exploring these in the programme areas it is considering and to enter into prospects in cooperation with the Stockholm-based Institute cooperative arrangements and partnerships with some of the for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA); world's leading universities and institutes. Accordingly, the (i) Fellows. A promising initiative is the principal constraint on the pace and extent to which its University's plan to appoint people of exceptional programmes will develop and be carried out effectively will experience and standing in the fields of peace negotiations, be the availability of finance. Already modest amounts of research and policy as Fellows of the University, to finance have been obtained to take the first steps in undertake research and carry out other assignments for the evaluating prospective programmes. However, the University on an "as available", part-time basis. The Fellows commitment to undertake any programme must be would also provide a roster of people with peace-related accompanied by assurances as to the availability of the funds skills and experience who could be available to the United required to carry it out and on a basis that will meet the Nations for peace-related missions and assignments; highest quality standards. (j) In addition, plans call for special emphasis on the inclusion of promising and talented young people as IV. Future prospects internal support staff and teaching assistants in the University's programmes and activities. 23. The University for Peace, within the framework of the 19. Other programmes being examined include economics United Nations, with its operational flexibility, is a useful and peace, governance, the military and peace, migration, vehicle for developing and demonstrating new modes of refugees and peace, human rights and peace, youth and private/public partnership serving and supporting the peace peace, and "uncivil" threats to peace (e.g., organized crime). and security mission of the United Nations. Although many other private and national institutes exist to undertake work 20. While it would be unrealistic to expect the University of various kinds in the peace and security area, the for Peace to undertake programmes in all of these areas, it University for Peace is the only one established by the will be the task of the Council at its session on 22 and United Nations especially for that purpose. 23 November to determine priorities based on those areas in which the University can make the most distinctive and 24. The future of the University is strongly tied to the valuable contributions to the United Nations priorities, using political and financial support reflected not only in greater its comparative advantage in adding value to the work done numbers of Governments acceding to the International by others in these areas, and subject to the availability of Agreement for the Establishment of the University for Peace financial resources and capacities required to carry out such but also in increasing contributions of financial resources activities in accordance with the highest standards of quality for the normal functioning of the University and the and professionalism. launching of new programmes. In light of the extensive measures that are under way in putting the University on a 21. A number of the key core programmes will be carried strong administrative and programmatic platform, out at the San Jos£ campus of the University and commensurate political and financial support from member characteristically be undertaken in cooperation with other States would reinvigorate the long-term prospects for the United Nations organizations, universities and institutes University. which are among the best in their respective fields, through joint programmes and exchange of faculties, inter-active teleconferencing and Internet programming. For this purpose Notes it is planned to establish the most up-to-date telecommunications and conferencing facilities. Most ' General Assembly resolution 53/243. programmes, courses and research project centres will be 2 General Assembly resolution 52/15. carried out cooperatively with other existing organizations. In cases in which there is no focal point for a particular programme, the University for Peace, in cooperation with others, should be prepared to take a leadership position, as it is doing, for example, in the peace parks initiative, being undertaken cooperatively with IUCN. UNITED A NATIONS

General Assembly

Distr. GENERAL

A/RES/54/29 2 February 2000

Fifty-fourth session Agenda item 21

RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[without reference to a Main Committee (A/54/L.30 and Add. 1)]

54/29. University for Peace

The General Assembly,

Recalling further its resolutions 45/8 of 24 October 1990,46/11 of24 October 1991 and 48/9 of 25 October 1993,

Recalling that in its resolution 46/11 it decided to include in the agenda of its forty-eighth session and biennially thereafter an item entitled "University for Peace",

Recalling also its resolution 50/41 of 8 December 1995, in which it decided to request the Secretary-General to consider ways of strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the

1 See resolution 35/55, annex.

00 27440 A/RES/54/29 Page 2

University for Peace and to submit a report thereon to the General Assembly at its fifty-second session,

Recalling further its adoption on 13 September 1999 of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace,2

Considering that, by its resolution 52/15 of 20 November 1997, the General Assembly proclaimed

2 Resolution 53/243. 3 A/54/312, para.2. A/RES/54/29 Page3

the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace and that it should be ushered in with One Day in Peace, 1 January 2000,

2. Requests the Secretary-General to consider using the services of the University in his conflict- resolution and peace-building efforts;

3. Invites Member States, intergovernmental bodies, non-governmental organizations and interested individuals to contribute directly to the Trust Fund for Peace or to the budget of the University;

5. Invites Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and all the peoples of the world to celebrate One Day in Peace, 1 January 2000;

6. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-sixth session the item entitled "University for Peace". 56th plenary meeting 18 November 1999

4 A/54/312. United Nations A/54/312

Distr.: General General Assembly 2 September 1999

Original: English

Fifty-fourth session Item 21 of the provisional agenda* University for Peace

University for Peace Report of the Secretary-General

99-25547 (E) 011099 lUIIIllllllIBiBllim A/54/312 deprived challenges the moral basis of our civilization. The non-governmental constituencies in addressing peace and gulf between the beneficiaries and those left out in the security issues. Although this feature has been utilized thus process of globalization is growing. Redressing the gross far to only a limited extent, it will have much greater imbalances and inequities to which this gives rise is a relevance and value in the period ahead, in which new prerequisite to sustained and sustainable peace. It is the public/private partnerships and alliances will provide the primary challenge for the twenty-first century. most effective means of dealing with the complex issues that 5. The process of change is itself a source of tension and bear on peace and security. The University for Peace is also potential conflict which must be addressed realistically. The the only truly international university that has the authority prevention of conflicts and maintenance of peace is to grant degrees, which it does at the Master's and Doctor's therefore, largely a matter of learning to manage the level. processes of dynamic change required to enable all to have 10. The University for Peace receives no financing from access to the benefits that the globalization has made the United Nations budget, and it must seek its financing possible. This is why the goal of achieving and maintaining entirely from voluntary contributions. Since its inception, peace and security must be pursued with development that the University for Peace has received only limited funding is sustainable in economic, environmental, social and human from a relatively few sources, and its programmes have terms and mat redresses the imbalances and inequities from necessarily been modest in scale and largely confined to which conflicts arise. Central and South America. In 1991, the Secretary-General, 6. Many lessons are to be learned from the past with the cooperation of the United Nations Development experiences of the United Nations in its peacemaking and Programme, created a special trust fund to help the peacekeeping operations which can help produce better and University cover operating costs, but funds remain low. more effective means of preventing and resolving future 11. The governing body of the University for Peace conflicts. consists of a Council composed of 1S members appointed 7. It is in this context that the mission of the University by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in for Peace is to be pursued, in order to strengthen it and consultation with the Director-General of UNESCO. They extend its programmes and capacities so as to enable it to include two nominees of the host country, Costa Rica, and, fulfil the purpose for which it was established by the General as ex-officio members, representatives of the United Assembly. Nations, UNESCO and the United Nations University. The Executive Head of the University is the Rector, appointed by the Council. Most of the programmes and activities of the D. Background University have been carried out at its campus. In addition, there is the World Centre for Research and Information on 8. The University for Peace was established in December Peace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, and, there are programme 1980 pursuant to resolution 35/55 of the General Assembly, representatives in six other Central American countries, as to "provide humanity with an international institution of well as in Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Italy, higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting and Peru. among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, to stimulate cooperation ni. Steps for revitalization among people and to help lessen obstacles and threats to world peace and progress, in keeping with the noble aspirations proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations". Appointment of new members to the It is headquartered in the outskirts of San Jose1, Costa Rica. Council 9. The University has a unique constitutional status 12. Recently, as part of the continuing programme of within the United Nations family, having been established United Nations reform, the Secretary-General, with the by an international agreement approved by the General support and advise of the UNESCO Director-General and Assembly. It exists outside the normal framework of the encouragement and support of the Government of Costa reporting and accountability requirements mat apply to most Rica, has taken steps to reorganize, strengthen and more United Nations organizations and agencies. This gives it an fully internationalize the University for Peace, so as to unusual degree of operating autonomy and flexibility and enable it to contribute more effectively to the peace and enables it to serve as a link between the governmental and security programmes of the United Nations and the goals of A/54/312

its Charter. The Council was reconstituted with entirely new financial statements of the University up to date, and an members, who met at UNESCO headquarters c n 29 and extensive review is being carried out of all current 30 March 1999. At that meeting Maurice Strong c f Canada programmes, relationships and practices. While most of the was elected President of the Council and assi imed the principal deficiencies are in the process of being rectified, additional responsibilities of Rector until such time a new it will take some time to implement rally the changes Rector is appointed. The Council also elected Elizabeth required to meet the standards now being set for the Odio, Vice-President of Costa Rica, as Vice-President of the University. Council. The second Costa Rican nominee, Ambassador Sonia Picado, was also appointed to the Council. An Executive Committee has been established by the Council Current programmes to exercise its functions irntil its next session. 13. "the nepr iaia&a^Mon^ imtittted a process of 16. The following programmes are currently in operation: thorough review of all ifce University's existing programmes, (a) Culture for peace and democracy in Central capacities and facilities, to develop a new long-term strategy America. This programme, promoted by the Central with accompanying programme proposals, budget, work and American Governments and covering their respective management plans to be presented to the Council at its countries, has been operating since 1994. Emphasis is on November meeting. At that meeting the Council will also education for peace to different sectors, in cooperation with consider a strategic partnership with die Earth Council, a local organizations; global non-governmental organization founded as a result (b) Consensus-building and conflict resolution in of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Central America. This programme, initiated in 1996, in Development (Rio de Janeiro, June 1992) and also situated cooperation with local universities, is directed towards in San Jose". The Earth Council's goals and programmes have leaders of civil society. Training modules have been a significant degree of common interest and complementarity prepared; with the goals and programmes of the University for Peace, and such an alliance would produce, in turn, significant (c) Natural resources and peace. At present efforts benefits in terms of programming and of cost-effectiveness are limited to offering six short international courses, of for each organization. from two to three weeks' duration, in continuation of efforts initiated in 1987; (d) Doctorate in communications for peace. This Administration and finance programme is offered jointly with the University of La Laguna in Tenerife, Canary Islands, but all courses are 14. One of the most serious impediments to the ability of given at the University for Peace. A high quality thesis is an the University for Peace in recent years to fulfil its mission essential requisite. Twenty-five students are working and meet the expectations for which it was established has towards the degree; been the disorderly state of its administrative, personnel and accounting practices and the lack of oversight and (e) Master's degree in human rights and education accountability. Until the meeting of the newly constituted for peace. Twenty-six students are following the five- Council in March 1999, there had been no meeting of the trimester course schedule, with emphasis on perception of Council since 1994, largely because of financial constraints. human rights, legal status, mediation and consensus. The No audited financial statements have been prepared since degree is given jointly with the Costa Rican National 1993. The action taken by the Secretary-General was University; designed to rectify this situation and to prepare the (f) World Centre for Research and Information on University for Peace for a new era of service to and in Peace. Located in Montevideo, Uruguay, the Centre aims to support of the peace and security goals of the United support communication with data banks related to conflict Nations. and peace; ;rf:?v •"' 'f'"^_ '•''" "•"•'•' •'•-"'""•''•';'.:.. 15. The new administration has concentrated initially on (g) GandU Television (^^ for (^nununication refurbisttmg me adininistratiye personnel and accounting and Peace. This programme produces videos related to procedures and! pieces wim me object of bringing them conflict and peace, and is self-supporting; , . to the highest international professional standards. An (h) Radio for Peace International. The station independent audit has been commissioned to bring the broadcasts short wave peace-related programmes as well as A/54/312

to be learned from the recent cor flicts in Africa and Asia 22. There is encouraging evidence that the LDiversity will might be an appropriate field of research for the University be able to attract some of the most able and respected people for Peace. It is now in the process of exploring these in the programme areas it is considering and to enter into prospects in cooperation with the Stockholm-based Institute cooperative arrangements and partnerships with some of the for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA); world's leading universities and institutes. Accordingly, the (i) Fellows. A promising initiative is the principal constraint on the pace and extent to which its University's plan to appoint people of exceptional programmes will develop and be carried out effectively will experience and standing in the fields of peace negotiations, be the availability of finance. Already modest amounts of research and policy as Fellows of die University, to finance have been obtained to take the first steps in undertake research and carry out other assignments for the evaluating prospective programmes. However, the University on an "as available", part-time basis. The Fellows commitment to undertake any programme must be would also provide a roster of people with peace-related accompanied by assurances as to the availability of the funds skills and experience who could be available to the United required to carry it out and on a basis that will meet the Nations for peace-related missions and assignments; highest quality standards. 0) In addition, plans call for special emphasis on the inclusion of promising and talented young people as IV. Future prospects internal support staff and teaching assistants in the University's programmes and activities. 23. The University for Peace, within die framework of the 19. Other programmes being examined include economics United Nations, with its operational flexibility, is a useful and peace, governance, the military and peace, migration, vehicle for developing and demonstrating new modes of refugees and peace, human rights and peace, youth and private/public partnership serving and supporting the peace peace, and "uncivil" threats to peace (e.g., organized crime). and security mission of the United Nations. Although many 20. While it would be unrealistic to expect the University other private and national institutes exist to undertake work of various kinds hi the peace and security area, the for Peace to undertake programmes in all of these areas, it University for Peace is the only one established by the will be the task of the Council at its session on 22 and United Nations especially for that purpose. 23 November to determine priorities based on those areas in which the University can make the most distinctive and 24. The future of die University is strongly tied to the valuable contributions to die United Nations priorities, using political and financial support reflected not only in greater its comparative advantage in adding value to the work done numbers of Governments acceding to the International by others in these areas, and subject to the availability of Agreement for the Establishment of the University for Peace financial resources and capacities required to carry out such but also in increasing contributions of financial resources activities in accordance with the highest standards of quality for the normal functioning of the University and the and professionalism. launching of new programmes. In light of the extensive measures mat are under way in putting the University on a 21. A number of me key core programmes will be carried strong administrative and programmatic platform, out at the San Jos£ campus of the University and commensurate political and financial support from member characteristically be undertaken in cooperation with other States would reinvigorate the long-term prospects for the United Nations organizations, universities and institutes University. which are among the best in their respective fields, through joint programmes and exchange of faculties, inter-active teleconferencing and Internet programming. For this purpose Notes it is planned to establish the most up-to-date telecommunications and conferencing facilities. Most 1 General Assembly resolution 33/243. programmes, courses and research project centres will be 1 General Assembly resolution 52/15. carried out cooperatively with other existing organizations. In cases in which there is no focal point for a particular programme, the University for Peace, in cooperation with others, shoujrif be prepared to take a leadership position, as it is doing/for example, in die peace parks initiative, being undertaken cooperatively with IUCN.