Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why was UNCRD created?
In the beginning of the 1960s, newly independent countries in Asia and Africa had an urgent need to build up capacity of their central/regional government staff to promote regional development. In 1971, following the ECOSOC resolution which recommended a training/research organization for regional development, UNCRD was created by an agreement between the UN and the Government of Japan.
2. Why was Nagoya selected as the location of UNCRD?
To learn the Japanese experience of regional development, it was considered that Nagoya had the desired surroundings: the Chubu region around Nagoya is one of the major manufacturing centres in Japan as typified by automobiles, textiles, and ceramic industries; it also is well-endowed as an agricultural region with horticultural and livestock farming.
3. What is UNCRD doing?
UNCRD has been working to promote the following objectives: to serve as a training and research centre in regional development; to provide advisory services in regional development at the request of central/local governments, universities or NGOs; to assist developing countries in promoting the exchange of information, experience, and teaching in regional development; and to assist and cooperate with other organizations, national or international, involved with regional development.
4. How is UNCRD organized?
UNCRD belongs to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA) in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General. Regional Offices are located in Nairobi, Kenya and Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia to respond to the needs of the countries in Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The Disaster Management Planning Hyogo Office was established in 1995 in Kobe and concentrates on the software aspects of disaster management.
5. How is UNCRD funded?
UNCRD derives its main income from the Government of Japan under a funds-in-trust agreement; it receives no funds from the regular budget of the United Nations.
6. What kind of training programs that I can participate in?
There are the International Training Courses in Regional Development and the Thematic Training Courses. These courses provide mid-career professionals from Asia and the Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean with the skills and knowledge necessary for development plan formulation and implementation. There are more custom-made, and Country-Specific Training programmes available as well. Please read Training page for more details.
7. Can I work at UNCRD?
Yes, you can. UNCRD announces opening position(s) on the Vacancy Announcement page when it is available. UNCRD also welcomes internships to support its research activities.
8. Can I have more information about the UN?
For UN Information Centre in Japan, please visit the UN On Line (United Nations Information Centre in Tokyo) site. For UN Headquarters, click here.