The United Nations mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) was created in December 1980. The headquarters of the UPEACE system is in Costa Rica, the country which initiated the process for the establishment of the University. UPEACE activities include: teaching, research, distance learning, and outreach.

Established as a Treaty Organization with its own Charter in an International Agreement adopted by the General Assembly in resolution 35/55 of 5 December 1980, the University for Peace has the mission:

"to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, to stimulate cooperation among peoples and to help lessen obstacles and threats to world peace and progress, in keeping with the noble aspirations proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations".