The United Nations University (UNU) is an academic and research wing of UNO. It is a postgraduate teaching organisation formed to create a league of global think tank.

It was established in 1973 but began its work from 1976 as a UN-Research Wing. The concept behind the formation of the organisation is to contribute collaborative research and education on global problems of human survival especially that are concern of the United Nations, its people and Member States.

Scope of the United Nations University (UNU)

• Peace, Security and Human Rights; Peace building and peace keeping, Conflict resolution and human security, Fostering dialogue among civilizations, religions and cultures, Human rights and ethics, Gender equality and mainstreaming,
• Human and Socio-economic Development and Good Governance; Growth and economic development, Alleviating poverty and inequalities, Good governance, Enhancing educational capacities, Fair trade, Processes and consequences of regional integration and cooperation, Leadership, management and entrepreneurship.
• Global Health, Population and Sustainable Livelihoods; Global health, Safe water and sanitation, Food and nutrition for human and social development, Combating HIV/AIDS, Population changes and migration.
• Global Change and Sustainable Development; Climate change — adaptation and mitigation, Ecological health and biodiversity, New risk and vulnerabilities, Sustainable land, agriculture and natural resources management, Green economy.
• Science, Technology, Innovation and Society; Science, technology and innovation, Sustainable energy futures, Sustainable urban futures, Sustainable housing and construction. Knowledge sharing and transfer (to deliver relevant information about UN University research, current scientific advances and best practices, in a timely manner and in a usable form, to those who most need it and can best utilize it).

Hence, the basic concern of the United Nation University is to generate new knowledge, educate, enhance individual and institutional capacities, and spread the useful information to relevant audiences.