| |
EUCLID (Euclid University), formally known as Pôle Universitaire Euclide, is a unique intergovernmental institution with a distinct relationship to the United Nations (UN) system. This article clarifies EUCLID’s UN status, addressing its non-specialized agency role, its verified charter, UN recognition, observer status, and formal relations with UN-related organizations.
Not a UN Specialized Agency or Sponsored Institution
Unlike the United Nations University (UNU) or the University for Peace (UPEACE), which are directly established or sponsored by the UN General Assembly, EUCLID is not a UN specialized agency or a UN-sponsored institution. UNU, headquartered in Tokyo, operates as the academic arm of the UN, while UPEACE, based in Costa Rica, was created by a UN resolution to promote peace education. EUCLID, by contrast, is an independent intergovernmental university established by multilateral treaties among its participating states, including the Central African Republic, The Gambia, and others. Its mandate focuses on global affairs, public health, and diplomacy, serving primarily Global South students and diplomats, without direct UN governance or funding.
Verified, Registered, and Published Charter
EUCLID’s legal foundation is its constitutive treaty, which has been verified, registered, and published by the United Nations Secretariat in the United Nations Treaty Series (UNTS) under certificates 49006 and 49007. This registration, pursuant to Article 102 of the UN Charter, confirms EUCLID’s status as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization, recognized under international law. The charter is accredited by the ministries of higher education in its headquarters states, the Central African Republic (Bangui, since 2011) and The Gambia (Banjul, since 2013), and is listed in the UNESCO International Association of Universities’ World Higher Education Database (IAU WHED), further validating its credentials.
UN Letter of Recognition
EUCLID has received formal recognition from the UN, as evidenced by a letter from the United Nations Office of Human Resources Management (reference 0218/RCA/MP/ONU-12, dated 10 December 2012). This letter acknowledges EUCLID, alongside other intergovernmental institutions like the United Nations University (UNU) and the European University Institute (EUI), as an accredited institution for employment purposes within the UN system. This recognition underscores EUCLID’s legitimacy within the UN framework, placing it on par with other intergovernmental universities for credential validation, though it remains distinct from UN-managed entities.
Intergovernmental Observer at UNFCCC
EUCLID holds intergovernmental observer status with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), notably demonstrated by its participation at COP28 in 2023. This status allows EUCLID to send high-level delegations, such as that led by Professor Charalee Graydon, to engage in climate change discussions and promote its educational initiatives in climate and sustainability. Observer status enhances EUCLID’s visibility and influence in global environmental governance, aligning with its academic focus on sustainable development.
Formal Relations with UN-Related and UN-Recognized Institutions
EUCLID maintains formal relations with several UN-related or UN-recognized intergovernmental organizations, strengthening its global engagement:
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS): A 2009 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ECOWAS facilitates cooperation, including scholarships for ECOWAS staff and accreditation reviews of EUCLID’s programs. EUCLID’s ECOWAS headquarters in Banjul, The Gambia, supports this partnership.
- International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA): EUCLID is a party to IACA’s statutes, alongside UN member states, reflecting its commitment to anti-corruption education. IACA, based in Austria, is an international organization initiated by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and others.
- Association of Caribbean States (ACS): EUCLID’s engagement with ACS aligns with its focus on regional cooperation and development in the Caribbean, complementing its academic programs in global affairs.
Additionally, EUCLID is a member of academic bodies like the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), which require governmental recognition, further embedding it within the international academic and intergovernmental ecosystem.
Conclusion
EUCLID (Euclid University) occupies a distinct niche in the UN system as an independent, treaty-based intergovernmental university with significant UN recognition but without the status of a UN specialized agency like UNU or UPEACE. Its charter is registered with the UNTS, it is acknowledged by the UN for accreditation, it holds UNFCCC observer status, and it maintains formal ties with organizations like ECOWAS, IACA, and ACS. These attributes affirm EUCLID’s credibility and role in advancing diplomacy, global health, and sustainable development through education, particularly for diplomats and students from the Global South. For more information, visit www.euclid.int or the UNTS website for treaty details.
|
