In 1969, at its 24th session, the United Nations General Assembly considered thequestion of establishing an international university to be devoted to the United
Nations Charter objectives of peace and progress. At that session, the General
Assembly invited the UN Secretary-General to undertake, in cooperation with theUnited Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), an expert study on thefeasibility of such a university (resolution 2573 (XXIV)). The question was further considered at the following two sessions (resolutions 2691 (XXV) and 2822 (XXVI)).
On 11 December 1972, at its 27th session, the UN General Assembly approved theestablishment of an international university under the auspices of the United Nations,
to be known as the United Nations University (resolution 2951 (XXXVII)).
On 6 December 1973, at its 28th session, the UN General Assembly formally
adopted the Charter of the United Nations University (A/9149/Add.2) (resolution
3081 (XXVIII)).
On 21 December 2009, at its 64th session, the UN General Assembly approved
two amendments (additions) to the Charter of the United Nations University: article I,
paragraph 8 and article IX, paragraph 2bis (A/RES/64/225).

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ARTICLE I

Purposes and Structure
1. The United Nations University shall be an international community of scholars,
engaged in research, postgraduate training and dissemination of knowledge infurtherance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
In achieving its stated objectives, it shall function under the joint sponsorship of
the United Nations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (hereinafter referred to as “UNESCO”), through a central programming and coordinating body and a network of research and postgraduate training
centres and programmes located in the developed and developing countries.
2. The University shall devote its work to research into the pressing global problemsof human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United
Nations and its agencies, with due attention to the social sciences and the humanities as well as natural sciences, pure and applied.
3. The research programmes of the institutions of the University shall include, among
other subjects, coexistence between peoples having different cultures, languages
and social systems; peaceful relations between States and the maintenance ofpeace and security; human rights; economic and social change and development;
the environment and the proper use of resources; basic scientific research and theapplication of the results of science and technology in the interests of development;
and universal human values related to the improvement of the quality of life.
4. The University shall disseminate the knowledge gained in its activities to the United
Nations and its agencies, to scholars and to the public, in order to increase dynamic
interaction in the worldwide community of learning and research.
5. The University and all those who work in it shall act in accordance with the spiritof the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitution of
UNESCO and with the fundamental principles of contemporary international law.
6. The University shall have as a central objective of its research and training centres and programmes the continuing growth of vigorous academic and scientificcommunities everywhere and particularly in the developing countries, devoted totheir vital needs in the fields of learning and research within the framework of theaims assigned to those centres and programmes in the present Charter. It shall3

endeavour to alleviate the intellectual isolation of persons in such communities inthe developing countries which might otherwise become a reason for their moving
to developed countries.
7. In its postgraduate training the University shall assist scholars, especially young
scholars, to participate in research in order to increase their capability to contributeto the extension, application and diffusion of knowledge. The University may also
undertake the training of persons who will serve in international or national technical assistance programmes, particularly in regard to an interdisciplinary approachto the problems with which they will be called upon to deal.
8. The University shall grant and confer master’s degrees and doctorates, diplomas,
certificates and other academic distinctions under conditions laid down for that
purpose in the statutes by the Council of the University.

ARTICLE II

Academic Freedom and Autonomy
1. The University shall enjoy autonomy within the framework of the United Nations. It
shall also enjoy the academic freedom required for the achievement of its objectives, with particular reference to the choice of subjects and methods of researchand training, the selection of persons and institutions to share in its tasks, andfreedom of expression. The University shall decide freely on the use of the financial
resources allocated for the execution of its functions.
2. The Rector, with the approval of the Council of the University, shall conclude on
behalf of the United Nations such agreements with countries where the University
operates as are necessary to ensure academic freedom and autonomy.

ARTICLE III

Organization
1. The University shall consist of:(a) A Council which shall serve as the governing board of the University;(b) A Rector, who shall be responsible to the Council for the direction, administration, programming and coordination of the University;4(c) A University Centre to assist the Rector in the programming, coordination, support, administration and financing of the overall University programme, with ahigh-level staff responsible to the Rector, and organized so as to ensure effective and prompt action;(d) The research and training centres and programmes.
2. For purposes of advanced research and postgraduate training, the Council of the
University may designate, on grounds of academic excellence, certain institutions
and centres, or parts thereof, particularly in developing countries, as associatedinstitutions of the University, on terms and conditions to be decided on by theCouncil.
3. In order to accomplish its purposes and programmes, the University may organize
internationally coordinated research with appropriate institutions and individuals invarious parts of the world, by contractual or other arrangements.

ARTICLE IV

Council of the University
1. There shall be a Council of the University (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”),
to be established on a broad geographical basis with due regard to major academic, scientific, educational and cultural trends in the world, taking into accountthe various fields of study, with appropriate representation of young scholars. The
Council shall have twenty-four members serving in their individual capacity, whoshall be appointed jointly by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the
Director-General of UNESCO, in consultation with the agencies and programmes
concerned, including the United Nations Institute for Training and Research* (hereinafter referred to as UNITAR), and taking into account the views of appropriate
representative bodies. The Rector shall be a member of the Council.
2. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Director-General of UNESCO
and the Executive Director of UNITAR shall be ex officio members of the Council.
Representatives of other United Nations organs and agencies shall be invited toattend as appropriate. The Council may invite representatives of concerned nongovernmental organizations and academic bodies to attend as observers.
* Established in accordance with General Assembly resolution 1934 (VIII) of 11 December 1963.

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3. The term of office shall be six years, provided that, of the members first appointed
pursuant to paragraph 1 above, the terms of twelve shall expire at the end of three
years and the terms of the remaining twelve at the end of six years. No appointed
member of the Council may serve continuously for more than six years. The Council
shall be consulted in regard to the replacement of retiring members.
4. The Council shall:(a) Formulate principles and policies which shall govern the activities and operations of the University;(b) Adopt such statutes as may be necessary for the application of the Charter;(c) Decide upon the setting up or incorporation of the research and training centres and programmes which are to constitute the totality of the University indeveloped or developing countries, establishing standards for their operation
either on its own authority, in cases where they are being set up, or by agreement in cases where they are being incorporated;(d) Consider and approve the work programme and adopt the budget of the
University on the basis of proposals submitted to it by the Rector;(e) Consider reports of the Rector on the activities of the University and on theexecution of its plans of work;(f) Issue directives and take measures within the framework of the present Charter;(g) Make whatever recommendations it may deem either necessary or desirable forthe effective functioning of the University;(h) Report annually to the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council,
and the Executive Board of UNESCO, through the Secretary-General of theUnited Nations and the Director-General of UNESCO, respectively, on the workof the University;(i) Create such subsidiary bodies as it deems necessary.
5. The Council shall meet in regular session at least once a year, and shall be convenedby the Rector. It shall elect its Chairman and other officers and shall adopt rules ofprocedure, including procedures for convening special sessions as necessary.
6. The Council shall consider the methods of financing the University with a view toensuring the effectiveness of its future operations, their continuity and the University’s
autonomous character within the framework of the United Nations. It shall also
consider the various kinds of arrangements under which institutions and individuals
may be associated with its work, and the criteria to be met by such institutions andindividuals in order to ensure the maintenance of the highest academic standards.

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7. The Council shall grant to research and training centres and programmes, particularly those in developing countries, adequate resources to ensure that theacademic staff, equipment and working conditions meet the highest standards forresearch and training.

ARTICLE V

Rector of the University
1. The Rector of the University shall be appointed by the Secretary-General of theUnited Nations in conformity with the following procedure. The Council shall designate its Chairman and two other members to a Nominating Committee, to which
the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Director-General of UNESCO
shall appoint one member each. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a panelof not less than three and not more than five names, arranged in alphabetical order,
for consideration by the Council. The Council may approve the proposed panel or
may refer it back to the Nominating Committee. When the Council has approved
the panel, it shall transmit it to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the
Director-General of UNESCO. The Secretary-General, after consultation with the
Director-General of UNESCO, and with his concurrence, shall appoint one of thecandidates as Rector.
2. The Rector shall normally serve for five years and shall be eligible for reappointment for one more term of five years. Conditions of the service of the Rector shallbe determined by the Council in consultation with the Secretary-General of theUnited Nations.
3. The Rector shall be the chief academic and administrative officer of the University
and shall have overall responsibility for the direction, organization, administrationand programmes of the University, in accordance with the general policies andcriteria formulated by the Council. The Rector shall, inter alia:(a) Submit the plan of work and the budget estimates of the University to theCouncil for its consideration and approval;(b) Direct the activities connected with the execution of the research and training
programmes and authorize the expenditures provided in the budget approvedby the Council;(c) Appoint the personnel of the University in accordance with article VIII, paragraphs 6 and 7 below, following procedures approved by the Council, so as to7

ensure the highest intellectual and moral quality of that personnel;(d) Direct the staff of the University;(e) Set up such advisory bodies as may be necessary, including where appropriate representatives of interested United Nations organs and agencies, and of
public and private organizations particularly concerned with the activities of the
University;(f) Make arrangements with governments and international as well as national
public and private organizations with a view to offering and receiving services
related to the activities of the University;(g) After consultation with the Chairman of the Council and subject to the provisionsof article IX below, accept, on behalf of the University, voluntary contributions
and gifts to the University from governments, international and national organizations, foundations and other non-governmental sources, for all purposes
related to the activities of the University;(h) Coordinate the total research and training programmes of the University withthe activities of the United Nations and its agencies and, so far as possible, withresearch programmes of the world scholarly community;(i) Report to the Council in accordance with the rules of procedure on the activitiesof the University and the execution of its plans of work;(j) Provide the necessary services to the Council.

ARTICLE VI

University Centre
The University Centre shall assist the Rector in the performance of the following
tasks:(a) Programme and plan subjects of research and areas of training for the University
and conclude contracts for research and training activities with a view toachieving the aims and objectives of the University, and to ensuring the highest
academic standards and universality of approach;(b) Administer the overall University programme and fund it in accordance with theapproved budget;(c) Promote exchanges of scholars, scientific and technical ideas and information
within the world academic community, particularly in developing countries, bymaking use as appropriate of techniques of conferences and workshops;(d) Serve as a depository of information regarding the expertise available on
subjects of relevance to the work of the University, in cooperation with United8Nations agencies and existing information systems;(e) Maintain an up-to-date roster of qualified scholars from all parts of the world whoare experts in the present and prospective fields of research of the University,and assist the research and training centres and programmes in finding competent scholars as necessary;(f) Maintain close coordination between the activities of the University and thoseof the organs and programmes of the United Nations, including UNITAR, andof United Nations agencies;(g) Perform such other functions as the Rector may determine.

ARTICLE VII

Research and Training Centres and Programmes
1. The University shall include a certain number of research and training centres andprogrammes established or to be established in various countries. Their creationand their incorporation to the University shall be by decision of the Council inaccordance with the terms of article IV, paragraph 4(c) above.
2. Each research and training centre or programme shall be under the authority of a
Director. The Directors shall collaborate with the Rector, in particular in order toensure the coordination of programmes of research and training.
3. The Conference of Directors of research and training centres and programmes
shall be called by the Rector periodically to review and evaluate programmes ofresearch being undertaken, and advise and assist the Rector in the improvementof current programmes and in the definition and planning of new programmes for
the University system.

ARTICLE VIII

Personnel of the University
1. The academic and administrative staff of the University shall be selected with aview to achieving its stated objectives. The basic criteria for selection shall be thehighest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to
appropriate representation in terms of geography, social systems, cultural traditions, age and sex.

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2. The personnel of the University shall consist of:(a) Academic personnel;(b) Administrative personnel;(c) Trainees;
it being understood that the assignment of personnel to each of these categories
shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the statutes adopted by theCouncil under the terms of article IV, paragraph 4(b) above.
3. The academic personnel shall be composed of:(a) The Rector;(b) The directing personnel, i.e. the Rector’s senior collaborators and the Directorsof the research and training centres and programmes;(c) Research personnel, visiting professors, visiting fellows and consultants, including young scholars.
All members of the academic personnel shall enjoy in their research and training
work the academic freedom guaranteed by the provisions of article II above.
4. The Rector and — save as otherwise provided in the statutes adopted by theCouncil under the terms of article IV, paragraph 4(b) above — the academic personnel referred to in paragraph 3(b), and such administrative personnel as may
be provided for by the Council in the University budget, shall be covered by theprovisions of the Staff Regulations of the United Nations and Staff Rules, subject
to such arrangements for special rules or terms of appointment as may be agreed
upon by the Rector and the Secretary-General. Such personnel shall be officials of
the United Nations within the meaning of article 105 of the Charter of the United
Nations and of other international agreements and United Nations resolutions
defining the status of officials of the Organization, and article 100 of the Chartershall apply to them.
5. The personnel referred to in paragraph 4 above shall be solely responsible to the
Rector in the exercise of their functions.
6. The academic personnel referred to in paragraph 3(b) above and such administrative personnel as may be provided for in the University budget established by theCouncil shall be appointed by the Rector on behalf of the Secretary-General of theUnited Nations, except in case of agreements to the contrary foreseen in article IV,paragraph 4(c) above.

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7. The academic and administrative personnel other than the personnel referred to inparagraphs 4 and 6 above, and the trainees shall, in the case of personnel serving
at the University Centre, be appointed by the Rector, and in other cases shall be
appointed in accordance with the terms of the decision of the Council establishing
the research and training centre or programme in question, or of the agreement
bringing such centre or programme within the framework of the University. Such
staff shall enjoy any privileges or immunities which may be provided for in agreements concluded under article II above, but shall normally not be officials of theUnited Nations.

ARTICLE IX

Finance and Budget
1. Capital costs and recurrent costs of the University shall be met from voluntary
contributions for the University, or from the income derived therefrom, made:(a) By governments, directly or through the United Nations, the specialized agencies or the International Atomic Energy Agency;(b) By non-governmental sources, including foundations, universities and individuals.
2. The Rector may also accept assistance for the University’s projects, particularly
fellowships, from the United Nations, the specialized agencies, the International
Atomic Energy Agency and other intergovernmental organizations.
2bis. The costs of the postgraduate degree programmes of the University, as referred
to in article I, paragraph 8, above may also be met from tuition fees and related
charges.
3. Contributions which may directly or indirectly involve an immediate or ultimate
financial liability for the University, or which involve a new activity not yet included
in its programme, may be accepted only with the approval of the Council.
4. The funds of the University shall be kept in a special account to be establishedby the Secretary-General of the United Nations in accordance with the Financial
Regulations of the United Nations.
5. The funds of the University shall be held and administered solely for the purposesof the University. The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall perform all11

necessary financial and accounting functions for the University, including the custody of its funds, and shall prepare and certify the annual accounts showing thestatus of the University’s special account.
6. The Financial Regulations and the Financial Rules of the United Nations shall apply
to the financial operations of the University subject to such special rules and procedures as the Rector, in agreement with the Secretary-General, may issue after
consultations with the Council and with the Advisory Committee on Administrative
and Budgetary Questions of the United Nations.
7. The Rector shall prepare the budget estimates for the University in a mannerconsistent with the United Nations regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
The estimates, together with the comments and recommendations thereon of theAdvisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, shall be submitted to the Council for approval. The budget, as approved by the Council, shall betransmitted to the General Assembly together with the report of the Council.
8. Funds administered by and for the University shall, as provided in the Financial
Regulations of the United Nations, be subject to audit by the United Nations Board
of Auditors.
9. The general administrative, personnel and financial services of the United Nations
may be utilized by the University on conditions determined in consultation between
the Secretary-General and the Rector, it being understood that no extra cost to theregular budget of the United Nations is incurred.

ARTICLE X

Location
1. As a worldwide system of research and training centres and programmes, theUniversity will have its location at the site of each centre or programme.
2. The University shall have its headquarters in the Tokyo metropolitan area, where
the University authorities and the University Centre shall be located.

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ARTICLE XI

Status and Authority
1. The University, as defined in article III, paragraph 1 above, is an autonomous
organ of the General Assembly of the United Nations and shall enjoy the status,
privileges and immunities provided in articles 104 and 105 of the Charter of theUnited Nations and other international agreements and United Nations resolutions
relating to the status, privileges and immunities of the Organization.
2. The University may acquire and dispose of real and personal property, and may
take other legal actions necessary to the performance of its functions.
3. The University may enter into agreements, contracts or arrangements with governments, organizations, institutions, firms or individuals for the purpose of carryingout its activities.
4. Persons travelling on the official business of the University shall, on request, be
provided with appropriate United Nations travel documents.

ARTICLE XII

Amendments
1. Amendments to this Charter may be made by the General Assembly of the United
Nations.
2. After consultation with UNESCO, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, at
the request of the Council or after consultation with it, may propose amendments.

ARTICLE XIIITransitional Provision
Pending the recommendations of the Council in respect of the conditions of service ofthe different categories of the University’s personnel, their status will be determined
as provided in article VIII, paragraphs 4 to 7, above.

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