University for Peace

What University for Peace does

The University for Peace (UPEACE / UPAZ) is a United Nations-mandated international organization established by UN General Assembly Resolution 35/55 on December 5, 1980, and governed by a Charter signed by 41 Signatory States. Headquartered on a 303-hectare campus in Ciudad Colón (El Rodeo de Mora), Costa Rica, it is the only institution within the UN system mandated exclusively for peace education. UPEACE offers Master's, Doctoral, Certificate, and Distance Education programmes spanning peace studies, international law, human rights, environment and development, conflict resolution, gender and peacebuilding, peace education, media and peace studies, and regional studies, with eight programmes SINAES-accredited through 2029 and degrees verified by IAU/UNESCO.

The institution operates three core sub-brands: the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education (executive diplomas, live virtual workshops, online courses, on-site workshops, study abroad programs, Gross Global Happiness Summit, and customized corporate training); the UPEACE Human Rights Centre (diplomas in Human Rights and Forced Displacement and Sustainable Development and Human Rights, plus e-learning courses); and Earth Charter International (ethical leadership and ecological integrity). It also runs the Office of Legal Assistance for Journalists, publications including the annual Freedom of Expression in Costa Rica report, and the annual Model United Nations Conference. Regional offices in Africa, Europe, and Asia plus permanent representations to the UN in New York and to the UN Human Rights Council/UNESCO in Geneva provide institutional reach.

UPEACE generates revenue through a hybrid model: tuition from degree and certificate programmes (e.g., certificates priced at $200-$1,100, workshops at $245-$950), professional and executive education fees, study abroad programmes delivered for 23+ partner universities (including Harvard Business School, University of San Diego, Georgia State University, and Lynn University), UN system grants, and member state contributions. Its alumni network exceeds 6,000-8,000 graduates across 120+ nations, including heads of state and senior UN officials, serving as a primary growth engine through referrals and diplomatic reach. The institution's technology footprint is limited to educational content and academic methodologies rather than proprietary platforms.

Name

University for Peace

Legal name

University for Peace

Website

https://upeace.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The University for Peace (UPEACE) is a UN-mandated international organization offering postgraduate degrees, certificates, and executive education in peace studies, human rights, environment, and sustainable development, serving graduate students, mid-career professionals, UN officials, and partner universities from its Costa Rica campus to a 120+ nation alumni network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education in Peace Studies

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Hospitality, Tourism & Sports Management Schools (within Business Schools) (EDAHAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faculty-Led & Custom Group Study Abroad Programs (EDAIAAAA), Program Quality Assurance, Accreditation & Compliance (Secondary Overseas Programs) (EDAIAHAM), International Student Orientation & Transition Programs (EDALANAC)

Keywords

• Peace education programs
• Graduate peace studies
• Conflict resolution training
• Human rights education
• Sustainable development courses

Headquarters

HQ city

El Rodeo

HQ country

Costa Rica

HQ region

Latin America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Academic Degree Programs: Tuition and fees from Master's and Doctoral degree programs in peace studies, international law, human rights, environment and development, and related fields. Programs include both on-campus and distance education formats.
2. Professional and Executive Education: Revenue from the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education, Human Rights Centre, and Earth Charter International programs. Includes certificate programs, online courses, workshops, and customized training for organizations and individuals.
3. Grants and UN System Support: Funding from United Nations system, member state contributions, and project grants. The institution receives support through its observer status at the UN General Assembly and partnerships with UN agencies.
4. Study Abroad Programs: Customized short-term study abroad programs for partner universities, including logistics coordination, on-campus workshops, and field visits in Costa Rica.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The University for Peace (UPEACE) is a UN-mandated international organization that delivers postgraduate degree programs (Master's and Doctoral) plus professional development certificates, diplomas, and executive education in peace studies, international law, human rights, environment and development, and conflict resolution. Programs are offered both on-campus at its Costa Rica headquarters and via distance/online learning. Operations include three specialized sub-brands: the Centre for Executive Education, the Human Rights Centre, and Earth Charter International.

Product overview

The University for Peace (UPEACE/UPAZ) is a United Nations-mandated institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic and professional education products. The core offering consists of Master's and Doctoral degree programmes in peace studies, international law, human rights, environment and development, gender studies, and conflict resolution, delivered primarily through on-campus instruction at its Costa Rica headquarters. Supplementary offerings include Certificate Programmes and Distance Education options. The institution operates three specialised sub-brands: the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education (offering Global Leadership Diploma, Diploma in Social Innovation, Live Virtual Workshops, Online Courses, On-site Workshops, Study Abroad Programs, Gross Global Happiness Summit, and Customized Workshops for Organisations); the UPEACE Human Rights Centre (offering Diplomas in Human Rights and Forced Displacement and Sustainable Development and Human Rights plus E-Learning Courses); and Earth Charter International (focusing on ethical leadership and ecological integrity). Additional services include the Office of Legal Assistance for Journalists (ALP), institutional Publications, and the Model United Nations Conference. The institution serves over 6,000 alumni from more than 120 nations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Master's Degree Programmes Graduate-level academic programmes including M.A. in Environment Development and Peace, International Law and Human Rights, International Peace Studies, Gender and Peacebuilding, Peace Education, and Conflict Resolution Peace and Development, delivered on-campus and via distance education.
• Doctoral Degree Programme Postgraduate research and doctoral programmes for advanced scholarly study in peace and related fields.
• Certificate Programmes

Quantifiable outcome

• 8 SINAES-accredited Master's programs as of 2025
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 July 2025Partnership with UNODC and INTERPOL to host the 2025 International Academy on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. The academy strengthened institutional and professional capacities of specialized authorities across Latin America in combating these crimes.
• INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 July 2025Co-organized the 2025 International Academy on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants alongside UNODC. INTERPOL contributed intelligence and criminal investigation expertise to the training program.
• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2025UPAZ and UNHCR partnered to organize the regional dialogue 'Diálogos de Evaluación – Soluciones Locales hacia la Convivencia Pacífica' at UPEACE campus in Costa Rica. This event gathered key humanitarian and peacebuilding actors to strengthen cooperation and promote local solutions for forced displacement challenges.
• Peace Boat (Barco de la Paz)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2024Joint activities with Peace Boat for Journey #117, including forums on peace, nuclear disarmament, and human rights at UNED Puntarenas. The partnership focuses on global peace advocacy and raising awareness about survivors of atomic bombs.
• UNED (Universidad Nacional Estatal a Distancia)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2024Joint organizer of Peace Boat Journey #117 activities in Costa Rica. Hosted the event 'A global journey with the Peace Boat: Voices of peace, testimonies and perspectives of survivors' at UNED Puntarenas headquarters.
• World without Wars and without Violence AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2024Co-organized Peace Boat Journey #117 activities in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, focusing on peace advocacy and nuclear disarmament awareness.
• StrategosmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Contributed to the publication 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches', providing expertise and institutional support for this comprehensive analysis of criminal economies.
• FELADE (Foundation for the Study of Money Laundering and Crimes)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Collaborated with UPEACE on the World Compliance Forum Panama 2024 and co-published 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches'. FELADE provides expertise in anti-money laundering and financial crime studies.
• Konrad Adenauer FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Supported the publication 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches' and participated in World Compliance Forum Panama 2024, contributing to discussions on compliance and crime prevention.
• Universidad de SantanderminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Academic partner contributing to the publication 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches' and participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Editorial DikeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Publisher of the 'Criminal Economies: Multidimensional Approaches' book, providing editorial and distribution expertise for UPEACE's academic publications.
• Harvard Business SchoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted 'Social Entrepreneurship in Latin America' course through Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Club at UPEACE campus, offering experiential learning for MBA students.
• University of San DiegomajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner university sending students for study abroad programs at UPEACE, including 'Education for Peace and Sustainability' course combining classroom learning with Costa Rican field experiences.
• Georgia State UniversitymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConducts 'Global Perspectives on Children and the Law' course through Georgia State University College of Law at UPEACE, offering law students international perspectives on child rights.
• Lynn UniversitymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnnual J-term study abroad partner conducting 'Tools for Social Responsibility' program at UPEACE, providing students with peace and sustainability education in Costa Rica.
• Earth Charter InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-located at UPEACE, Earth Charter International offers courses and resources on ethical leadership, ecological integrity, and intercultural dialogue. Partner in professional education initiatives.
• UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic alliance with UNDP mentioned in the 2021-2024 impact report presentation. Collaboration contributes to sustainable development and peacebuilding initiatives globally.
• UPEACE Human Rights CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegrated center within UPEACE dedicated to human rights education and advocacy, providing training in policy analysis, humanitarian action, and social justice worldwide.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Peace Direct: INGO working on local peacebuilding capacity and partnerships. Comparable mission and stakeholder network to UPEACE, particularly around practitioner training and partnership with UN/regional bodies, though operates outside the academic-degree space.

Direct peers

• University of Notre Dame – Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies: Premier US-based institute offering Master's and PhD programmes in peace studies. Directly comparable curriculum, degree offerings, and target student segment to UPEACE's peace and conflict resolution programmes.
• United Nations University (UNU): UN-mandated academic institution offering postgraduate and research programmes through a global network of institutes. Directly comparable to UPEACE as a treaty-based, UN-affiliated university serving global scholars and policymakers.
• United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR): UN training arm delivering capacity-building programmes for diplomats, government officials, and development practitioners. Directly comparable to UPEACE in mandate, target audience (UN/government professionals), and joint programme delivery (UPEACE-UNITAR programmes).
• SIT Graduate Institute / School for International Training: Graduate school offering Master's programmes in conflict transformation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development with experiential learning models. Directly comparable to UPEACE for mission-driven, practice-oriented postgraduate peace education.
• Uppsala University – Department of Peace and Conflict Research: Renowned European department offering Master's and PhD programmes in peace and conflict research. Comparable research-led peace education offering and international student audience.
• George Mason University – Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution: Leading US graduate school offering Master's and doctoral programmes in conflict analysis and resolution. Direct peer for curriculum, research focus, and student audience (e.g., conflict resolution, peacebuilding credentials).
• University of Bradford – Department of Peace Studies: Long-established UK university offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in peace studies and international development. Directly comparable legacy and curriculum to UPEACE's peace education mandate.

Broad incumbents

• Brandeis University – Heller School / MA in Coexistence and Conflict: US research university offering a Master's in Coexistence and Conflict alongside broader social policy programmes. Overlaps with UPEACE on peace and coexistence curriculum but operates within a much larger university portfolio.

Regional players

• Universidad Nacional Estatal a Distancia (UNED): Costa Rica's primary public distance-learning university and direct collaborator with UPEACE on joint peace advocacy events (Peace Boat Journey #117). Comparable Costa Rica-based education provider with overlapping international student base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/upeace
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/UPEACE01
• Facebookfacebook.com/UniversityforPeace
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/university-for-peace
• Instagraminstagram.com/universityforpeace

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about University for Peace