SDG Certification Model
In accordance with its founding mandate, the University for Peace (UPEACE) offers a specialised Certification Model designed to validate academic excellence and institutional commitment to global sustainability. The core purpose of this model is to enhance the quality of education globally by ensuring that academic programmes are rigorously aligned with the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the fundamental UPEACE Mission. Through a thorough analysis of documentation, methodology, and expert review, UPEACE formally recognises and certifies educational programmes offered by both international educational institutions and private sector organisations. This process involves both internal self-assessment and external evaluation, providing institutions with invaluable insights that enable them to maintain autonomy while strengthening their commitment to international standards. Ultimately, the Certification Model facilitates self-regulation, helps identify areas for improvement, and strategically strengthens core areas of expertise in alignment with the global agenda for sustainable development.
About the SDG Certification Model
About the Certification Model
SDG Accreditation Process
Key Characteristics
Accreditation Benefits
Contact Us
About the Certification Model
This certification holds the power to foster a genuine culture of peace within certified institutions, igniting a transformative journey towards a harmonious and inclusive environment. By integrating the principles of peace, justice, and sustainability into the certification process, institutions are prompted to examine their policies, practices, and educational offerings through a holistic “peace lens”. This aligns their internal operations with the fundamental principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations and the mission of UPEACE. This deep introspection enables organisations to systematically identify areas for improvement, develop proactive strategies to address conflicts constructively, and purposefully nurture a vital sense of empathy and understanding among faculty, staff, and students.
SDG Accreditation Process
During the certification process, institutions undertake a rigorous self-assessment and undergo comprehensive evaluations from UPEACE and selected external experts. These evaluations strictly adhere to the criteria and standards established by UPEACE, ensuring alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Charter of the United Nations, and the UPEACE mission to educate for peace. The resulting official certification from UPEACE serves as a significant public acknowledgement of the institution’s profound dedication to peace education and its commitment to continuous improvement. Furthermore, it enhances the credibility of the institution within the global academic community dedicated to peace and conflict studies. For students and beneficiaries of these programmes, the certification ensures they are receiving education that meets the highest standards of excellence in peace education. Since this is an ongoing process that emphasises excellence, the official accreditation acts as a valuable tool for feedback, enrichment, and encouragement, providing institutions with essential guidance to continually improve and enhance their overall performance while fostering a durable culture of peace.
Key Characteristics
The UPEACE SDG Certification Model is characterised by a commitment to transparency, flexibility, and specialised focus:
Criteria Transparency: UPEACE establishes clear criteria in advance, which are aligned with the United Nations and the mission of UPEACE, and these are fully shared with all participating institutions.
Respect for Autonomy: The process is designed to respect the diverse management styles and takes into careful consideration the diverse nature, complexity, and autonomy of each institution.
Programmatic Specialisation: Special attention is given to the specific characteristics and field of study of each academic programme seeking accreditation, particularly regarding the integration of Peace and Conflict Studies within its curricula.
Temporary Accreditation: The certification provided is temporary and requires a full re-evaluation every two years to ensure ongoing excellence.
Ongoing Process: The accreditation process is an ongoing one that consists of three main stages: self-evaluation, external evaluation, and finally, a stage involving recommendations, changes, and commitments, all aligning with the SDG mission of UPEACE and the United Nations.
Accreditation Benefits
The successful completion of the UPEACE SDG Certification process yields several concrete benefits for the accredited institution:
Licensing and Branding: The Licensee is authorised to use the UPEACE certification mark in compliance with the licence agreement and established Branding Guidelines.
Public Acknowledgment: The official certification from UPEACE serves as a public acknowledgement of the quality of education provided by the programme and the accredited institution’s commitment to continuous improvement.
International Legitimacy: It legitimises the institution in the eyes of the international academic community dedicated to peace, conflict, and sustainable development studies.
Guarantee of Excellence: For students and beneficiaries of these programmes, the accreditation serves as a guarantee of excellence, assuring them that the education received meets the highest standards in peace education.
Contact Us
Interested in this certification? Contact us: pmo@upeace.org
Accredited Partners
