# University for Peace > university **Wikidata**: [Q392774](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q392774) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_for_Peace) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-for-peace ## Summary The University for Peace (UPEACE) is an international university established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1980 to promote peace, conflict resolution, and sustainable development through education. Located in Costa Rica, it operates as a UN-mandated institution with official observer status in the UN General Assembly. The university offers graduate programs and serves as a global center for research and training in peace and security studies. ## Key Facts - Founded on December 5, 1980, through UN General Assembly Resolution 35/55 - Located in Colón, Costa Rica, with coordinates 9.9194° N, 84.2728° W - Founded by former Costa Rican President Rodrigo Carazo Odio - Current rector is Francisco Rojas Aravena - Has approximately 124 students enrolled - Official observer status in the United Nations General Assembly - Operates under the motto "University for Peace" - Maintains official social media presence with over 26,000 followers on Twitter ## FAQs ### Q: What is the University for Peace's relationship with the United Nations? A: The University for Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1980 and maintains official observer status in the UN General Assembly. It operates as a UN-mandated institution dedicated to peace and conflict resolution education. ### Q: Where is the University for Peace located? A: The university is located in Colón, Costa Rica, on a dedicated campus. It was established in Costa Rica due to the country's commitment to peace and its abolition of its military in 1949. ### Q: What type of programs does the University for Peace offer? A: UPEACE offers graduate-level programs focused on peace and conflict studies, environmental security, international law, and related fields. The university specializes in interdisciplinary approaches to global peace and security challenges. ## Why It Matters The University for Peace represents a unique experiment in international education, serving as the only UN-mandated university in the world. Its establishment marked a significant commitment by the international community to address global conflicts through education rather than military means. By providing specialized graduate education in peace and conflict studies, UPEACE plays a crucial role in developing future leaders and practitioners who can address complex global challenges. The university's location in Costa Rica, a country without a military, reinforces its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and serves as a living example of alternative approaches to national security. Through its research, training programs, and international partnerships, UPEACE contributes to the global knowledge base on peace-building and sustainable development, making it an essential institution in the field of international relations and conflict resolution. ## Notable For - Being the only university in the world established directly by the United Nations General Assembly - Maintaining official observer status in the UN General Assembly - Operating in Costa Rica, the first country to abolish its military - Specializing exclusively in peace and conflict studies at the graduate level - Serving as a global center for research and training in peace-building and sustainable development ## Body ### History and Establishment The University for Peace was established through United Nations General Assembly Resolution 35/55 on December 5, 1980, following a proposal by then-Costa Rican President Rodrigo Carazo Odio. The resolution called for the creation of an international institution of higher education for peace that would provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace. The university officially opened its doors in 1980, with its campus located in the province of Colón, Costa Rica. ### Academic Structure and Programs UPEACE operates as a graduate-level institution, offering master's degree programs and doctoral studies in various fields related to peace and conflict studies. The university's academic programs focus on interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges, including international law and settlement of disputes, environmental security and peace, and international peace studies. The institution emphasizes practical, field-based learning and research. ### International Recognition and Partnerships As a UN-mandated institution, UPEACE maintains official observer status in the United Nations General Assembly, allowing it to participate in UN discussions and activities related to peace and security. The university has established partnerships with numerous international organizations, governments, and academic institutions worldwide, enhancing its global reach and impact. ### Campus and Facilities The UPEACE campus in Costa Rica spans approximately 303 hectares and includes academic buildings, residential facilities, and research centers. The campus design incorporates sustainable practices and serves as a model for environmentally conscious development. The university's location in Costa Rica provides a unique setting for studying peace and conflict resolution, given the country's commitment to peace and environmental conservation. ### Current Status and Impact Under the leadership of Rector Francisco Rojas Aravena, UPEACE continues to evolve its programs and expand its global influence. The university maintains an active social media presence and engages with a global community of alumni and partners. With approximately 124 students enrolled, UPEACE remains focused on its mission of promoting peace through education while adapting to contemporary global challenges in conflict resolution and sustainable development. ## References 1. GRID Release 2017-01-10 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. BnF authorities 4. CiNii Research 5. [United Nations General Assembly resolution 35/55 of 5 December 1980 − Establishment of the University for Peace](http://www.upeace.org/pdf/resolution.pdf) 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. [Source](http://www.upeace.org/) 8. Quora 9. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions 10. [Source](https://www.undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=A%2FRES%2F63%2F132&Language=E&DeviceType=Desktop&LangRequested=False)