When and Why was Peace University Established:

 The University for Peace was established in December 1980 as a Treaty Organization by the UN General Assembly. Funding for the programs at the university come from donor governments, foundations and institution. It is located 30 km southwest of the nation's capital, San Jose. Costa Rica was seelected as the location because of the nation's long tradition in protecting citizen's rights and advancing peace and justice. Costa Rica abolished the death penalty in 1882 and dismantled its army in 1985. Since 1865 it Costa Rica has offered asylum to those facing persecution for political reasons.

Mission of Peace University: To provide humanity with an international 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".

Locations Around the World: In addition to the activities at the Costa Rica Headquarters Campus, UPEACE works with an increasing number of partners in various parts of the world to ensure that the UPEACE mission is extended to reach as many individuals and institutions as possible. There are programs in places like Africa, Asia , New York, Serbia, Philippines, Egypt, Ethiopia, Switzerland.

Photo Gallery of Peace University:

Flags outside Peace University.

Peace University's symble.

Map of University's around the world.

Link:

University for Peace. University para La Paz. http://www.upeace.org/. 2008. March 2009.