Japan and other Asian countries have long been under-represented among staff at international organizations. To address this imbalance, the Nippon Foundation funds a 19-month masters program for Asian students in International Peace Studies at the United Nations-mandated University for Peace.

The program has the academic collaboration of Ateneo de Manila University, where students take an introductory English Training Module and courses related to Asian issues that are taught by Asian scholars. The actual classes in international peace studies are conducted at the University's main campus in Costa Rica. The program provides 30 The Nippon Foundation scholarships per year, equipping scholars with the knowledge and language skills required to work at international organisations and NGOs in the fields of peace building and conflict resolution.

In an effort to give a bit of visibility to the brilliant individuals studying at UPeace, we are publishing their profiles on this site.