The persistence of war… rapid climate change… genocide and human trafficking… gender inequality… human rights abuses… the proliferation of nuclear weapons…

…and other on-going and emerging threats to peace have threatened the very essence of human sustainability. [ view more ]

The persistence of war… rapid climate change… genocide and human trafficking… gender inequality… human rights abuses… the proliferation of nuclear weapons…

…and other on-going and emerging threats to peace have threatened the very essence of human sustainability.

What is also clear is that existing solutions, which depend on military force and short-term interventions, are not sufficient in creating the architecture necessary for a harmonious and sustainable future.

“World events increasingly demonstrate that threats to peace, security and progress can only be restrained if there are men and women across the world who are motivated and qualified to prevent conflict, build peace, strive for justice and good governance and guide the processes of sustainable and equitable development. The mission of the University for Peace thus assumes increasing importance in the twenty-first century.”
- Kofi Annan, Former United Nations Secretary-General


That “mission” that Kofi Annan eluded to is to provide humanity with an institution of 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 peoples 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.

In pursuit of this mandate, the University for Peace prepares men of women from around the world to be leaders, innovators, and catalysts in their fields and countries. From human rights lawyers in Uganda, to environmental economists in Peru, the nearly 600 graduates representing over 85 countries engage in practical, systematic, and collaborative approaches to peacebuilding as a result of their UPEACE education.

At UPEACE/US we expand upon and enhance these vital efforts by conducting our own educational and training programs, assisting with the management of the UPEACE alumni network: Upeacebuilders, and collaborating with UPEACE on key strategic development initiatives in support of the UPEACE system.

Never before have we been faced with such awesome challenges as a global community but never before have we had such a clear, cost-effective, and creative solution to prevent and combat these problems.

We invite you to join us in helping to create and sustain one of the most unique and important graduate schools of the 21st century.

Together we can actively and innovatively reduce violence, poverty, discrimination, environmental degradation…

… and build lasting and sustainable architecture for peace through higher education.
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The U.S. Association for the University for Peace (UPEACE/US) was founded in 2006 to promote and advance UPEACE and the cause of education for peace in the United States. We are based in Washington D.C. and here’s what we do:

• We educate & train for peace:
In our...
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The U.S. Association for the University for Peace (UPEACE/US) was founded in 2006 to promote and advance UPEACE and the cause of education for peace in the United States. We are based in Washington D.C. and here’s what we do:

• We educate & train for peace:
In our ‘education and training for peace’ program we strive to advance peace education at home and abroad. We started by engaging elementary school teachers and administrators in our own backyard – the Washington D.C public school system. As a result of our efforts, both teachers and students are equipped with practical skills for resolving conflicts and building peace in their communities.

On our international front we also deliver highly interactive and innovative short courses in conjunction with UPEACE professors and through a unique educational partnership with the UPEACE Center for Executive and Professional Education. Courses are offered on a variety of topics including: Nonprofit Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Through these courses, professionals gain the practical skills necessary to maximize their impact as peacebuilders.

• We manage the Global Network for Upeacebuilders
At UPEACE/US we are working to develop and maintain a robust UPEACE alumni community. To achieve this, we have created the Global Network for Upeacebuilders (www.upeacebuilders.org).
UPeacebuilders.org is a virtual human network designed to connect UPEACE alumni, allowing them a platform to launch innovative initiatives with like-minded individuals and institutions.
Upeacebuilders is one of the most diverse and close-knit networks of peacebuilders in the world. And we are continually striving to expand beyond our alumni base to include other impassioned organizations and individuals who seek a forum to bring together ideas and to bring those ideas to fruition.
Visit us at www.upeacebuilders.org.

• We support the strategic development of the UPEACE system
In collaboration with UPEACE we work to recruit students, raise funds, bridge partnerships, support the UPEACE Africa program, and increase visibility for the university within the United States.
By fostering relationships that advance the operations of the UPEACE system and securing resources that enhance the quality and depth of UPEACE programs we aim to help establish UPEACE as the world-wide leading institution in peace education.
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There are lots of opportunities for youth to get involved!

(1) Youth can become Associates of UPEACE/US and help promote the notion of higher education for peace in their local communities in exchange for various incentives. Email associates@upeaceus.org or visit our website for...
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There are lots of opportunities for youth to get involved!

(1) Youth can become Associates of UPEACE/US and help promote the notion of higher education for peace in their local communities in exchange for various incentives. Email associates@upeaceus.org or visit our website for more info.

(2) Youth that have a bachelors degree can apply to one of eight masters programs at the University for Peace in Costa Rica. (http://www.upeaceus.org/about_apply.htm)

(3) Youth can apply to be interns at UPEACE/US in Washington D.C. Are you passionate about higher education as means to achieving peace? Are you interested in a career that connects you in some way to the United Nations or to like-minded organizations? If yes, then the U.S. Association for the University of Peace may be a good fit for you. UPEACE/US is currently accepting applications for two executive internship positions for Spring 2008 at its offices in Washington D.C. The program runs from September to December, but start and end dates are flexible. The UPEACE/US executive internship program provides interns with great exposure to the non-profit community in Washington as well as to the United Nations community in New York and Washington. Interns can expect to engage in meaningful research and project development and will play an important part in helping to build both the University for Peace and UPEACE/US.

If you are interested in applying for the program please send a cover letter, a C. V., and a short cover letter to jobs@upeaceus.org. In your cover letter, please specify your preferred start and end dates for the internship, and the hours and times each week that you are available for the internship. For questions about this position, please contact Nick Martin at the e-mail address above.
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