1. Why was the UNU created?
In 1969, following a proposal by the then Secretary-General U Thant, the United Nations recommended that a new type of university be established to promote international scholarly cooperation; undertake problem-oriented, multidisciplinary research on urgent global concerns; and strengthen research and training capacities in developing countries.
2. What are the UNU's main aims and objectives?
The mission of the UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. The UNU aims to fulfil its mission by performing four key roles that are based on the mandate given to the University by its Charter: to be an international community of scholars; to form a bridge between the United Nations and the international academic community; to serve as a think-tank for the United Nations system; and to contribute to capacity building, particularly in developing countries. To help increase the research and training capacities, the UNU's current activities are grouped in two main areas: environment and sustainable development, and peace and governance. In the present homepage, research projects are classified and described under these two areas.
3. How is the UNU organized?
The University consists of the UNU Centre in Tokyo, several research and training centres and programmes (RTC/Ps), and a network of associated and cooperating institutions and scholars. The University Centre in Tokyo is the central programming and coordinating body of the University, designated to assist the Rector, chief academic and administrative officer of the University, in the direction, organization and administration of the overall programme. RTC/Ps are created by the UNU in various parts of the world to focus on specific problems, and links are forged with existing universities, national research centres, and other organizations located mainly in developing countries. All these elements interact in a networking manner. The principles and policies for the University are set by its governing Council.
4. What, specifically is UNU-INRA' s role in the UNU system?
In 1985, UNU assembled a group of distinguished African scientists and technologists to define what role UNU could play to enhance the ability of African universities and research institutions to contribute to finding solutions to Africa's developmental problems. The Working Group, in 1986, recommended the establishment of UNU-INRA, a recommendation that echoed the emphasis placed by the Lagos Plan of Action on food security and natural resources management and conservation. The mission of this Institute would be to strengthen the capacity of Africa's universities and research institutions to conduct research and produce well-trained, well-equipped and motivated individuals capable of developing, adapting and disseminating technologies that advance food security and promote conservation and efficient use of the continent's natural resources for sustainable development.
As a result, UNU-INRA carries out research, education and information-sharing activities that:
- advance food security by challenging African scientists to collaborate with UNU-INRA to: (a) develop new knowledge and validate/disseminate the indigenous knowledge of African farmers, herders and forest dwellers, (b) add value to Africa's primary products through applied science and technology and (c) focus on education and training of young scientists in cutting-edge science.
- link natural resource knowledge to policy formulation, problem-solving, and long-term planning processes by creating public awareness of critical policy issues related to the effective conservation, management and use of Africa's natural resources.
- emphasize the critical role played by African women in the conservation and management of natural resources and highlight policies and interventions that minimize gender inequalities.
5. How is the UNU-INRA financed?
UNU-INRA, and UNU in general, gets no funds from the regular budget of the United Nations. Financial support is entirely by way of voluntary contributions from governments, agencies, foundations and individual donors. In 2006-2007, the government of Ghana and Zambia contributed to the UNU-INRA Endowment Fund. Additionaly funding has been through Special Project Contributions receieved from the Challenge Programme on Food and Water, GLOWA Volta Project by the Center for Development Research (ZEF) in Germany, from hosts of UNU-INRA operating units, and from UNU-MERIT for a collaborative research project. For the 2008-2009 budget, UNU-INRA expects to receive about $877,000 in Special Project Contributions.
6. Who are the UNU-INRA's students?
As an academic institution of the United Nations, UNU-INRA has no student body in the traditional sense. Its students are postgraduate or young postdoctoral researchers, mainly from Africa, who receive advanced training as UNU Fellows or participate in UNU training courses, seminars and workshops.
7. Where do the staff come from?
UNU-INRA's academic and professional staff are recruited from universities, research institutions, and international organziations, often on secondment for fixed terms. Vacancies for professional staff are advertised in specialized magazines, newspapers, the UN Vacancy Announcement Bulletin, and the UNU-INRA website. The support staff are usually recruited locally. Occasionally, UNU-INRA also hosts interns to provide project and research support or to work on independent projects of interest to UNU-INRA. In the past, UNU-INRA has hosted interns from Canada through the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
8. How does UNU-INRA disseminate and publicize its work?
UNU-INRA produces academic publications, project reports, workshop reports, and annual reports, which are available on the UNU-INRA website. They can also be requested by contact UNU-INRA directly by phone or email. Additionally, UNU-INRA is currently developing a newsletter, which will highlight the institution's activities on a regular basis.
9. How do I contact UNU-INRA?
You can contact us via email at unuinra@yahoo.com or call us at +233 21 300596.
Email Us!
If the information above did not answer your question, you can email us at unuinra@yahoo.com or call us at +233 21 500 396.
