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United Nations University –International Leadership Institute
UNU-ILI Structure
The UNU-ILI works under the overall guidance of the Rector of the UNU, based in Tokyo, Japan. The UNU-ILI is headed by a Director, four Programme Officers involved in progamme and research activities and administrative and support staff. It enjoys autonomy and academic freedom as any other recognized University. The Advisory Committee provides advice and guidance to the Director on all aspects of the Institute’s programme and institutional development.
UNU-ILI History
The UNU Leadership Institute was established in April 1995 by agreement between the United Nations University and the Government of Jordan, the result of the decision of the UNU Council at its 43rd session. The Institute is essentially the vision of former Jordanian Prime Minister Abdel Salam Majali. Dr. Majali has also served as President of the University of Jordan and as Chairman of the UNU Council.
The Leadership Institute was publicly launched in October 1995 at the United Nations, New York, by the UN Secretary- General Dr. Boutros Boutros - Ghali and His Late Majesty King Hussein and H.M. Queen Noor of Jordan, on the occasion of the UN's 50th anniversary celebrations.
The Institute opened its doors in temporary quarters on the campus of the University of Jordan, in 1996. The first Director, Mr. Andres Pastrana, was obliged to shorten his tenure with the Institute on being elected President of Colombia. From 1997 through 1999, a global leadership course was held each year, and several world leaders visited to give lectures on leadership.
The UNU Council, on the basis of a report prepared by a Task Force comprised of eminent scholars from around the world, formally endorsed a Mission statement for the Institute proposed therein. A multifaceted programme of activities involving leadership courses, research and networking for capacity-development was initiated pursuant to the mission and vision.
As one reflects on the state of the post 9/11 world, it is clear that it is unstable, riddled with conflict and significant sectors of the world’s population live in dire poverty, afflicted by killer diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS or without the basic elements necessary to sustain a living – enough food, water and adequate sanitation. In addition, deforestation, global warming and environmental degradation are making sustainable development increasingly difficult to attain. Democratic institutions and caring, wise and compassionate leadership are two elements that could contribute significantly to the alleviation of the problems cited. “With its strategic location in Jordan, which has been a model of diversity, tolerance and stability over so many years, the UNU-ILI is in a unique position to provide innovative programmes on leadership development to motivate new generations of leaders able to address complex challenges from multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural perspectives” H.M. Queen Noor, Chair of the Advisory Board of UNU-ILI, 2006.
The UNU-ILI is part of a worldwide network of United Nations University Research and Training Centers. The UNU is dedicated to the generation and transfer of knowledge, and the strengthening of individual and institutional capacities in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute. through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are a concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States.
It functions as:
• an international community of scholars;
• a bridge between the United Nations and the international academic community;
• a think-tank for the United Nations system;
• a builder of capacity, particularly in developing countries; and
• a platform for dialogue and new and creative ideas