Sixty-first General Assembly: Fourth Committee (special political and decolonization).

• Position: Univesity for Peace's global impact

The Fourth Committee handles special political matters not dealt with by the First Committee, as well as decolonization issues. While affirming resolutions on the freedom and self-determination of States, the adoption of the text entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations" added timely new consideration to the statute. In 2006, the decolonization efforts of the Committee were also represented by difficult country-specific actions. It considered at great length the political situation in the Middle East and adopted nine resolutions on Israeli/Palestinian issues. "It is the Committee's job to encourage all sides to conform to international humanitarian and human rights norms, and this is where the issue remains to date", said Committee Chairman Madhu Raman Acharya of Nepal. Specific situations in several countries, such as Western Sahara and some small island States, were examined as well, and reports on the environmental aspects of decolonization, drug trafficking control and post-disaster relief were requested.

UNLEARNING CONFLICT BY STUDYING PEACE

The University for Peace Comes of Age

Nesrin Hannoun of Jordan, who has worked on several continents, is no stranger to multicultural experiences. She recalled her surprise on the first day she took a course towards a master's degree, which she completed in 2004. "There were 13 students from 12 different countries", she said, commenting on the vast diversity of voices that existed in the group. "It really shapes the discussion." With a total of 137 students from 37 countries enrolled in 2006 alone, Ms. Hannoun's alma mater is quite unlike most universities. Measured by percentiles, the University for Peace (UPEACE), in Costa Rica, is among the most diverse schools in the world.

In October 2006, the Fourth Committee heard and adopted by consensus a resolution acknowledging the University's significant progress and requesting for stronger ties between UPEACE and the United Nations. "With efforts to revitalize and strengthen the University, it is now, more than ever, a recognized and respected international institution for education, training and research on all issues related to peace and conflict", the text states.

UPEACE has undoubtedly undergone many changes since its establishment. Mandated in 1980 by the General Assembly in...