The Mission of the U Thant Institute is to reflect and promote the values and ideals of U Thant, the third secretary-general of the United Nations, and to realize his vision of a peaceful world that is safe for diversity and where people live in peaceful coexistence.

On many occasions, U Thant made references to the UN Charter that stresses the need for people to “practice tolerance and live together in peace as good neighbors."

“We should solve great issues by discussion and debate, by negotiation and give and take, by conciliation and compromise," U Thant said. "We are all bound by a common interest in survival, and this common interest can only be realized by creating, through personal contact, an atmosphere of confidence rather than an atmosphere of mistrust.”

U Thant was concerned about the widening gap between the rich and poor and believed that these disparities would become much more explosive in the future. The amazing advancements in technology have also created greater potential to increase the gap between the rich and the poor. U Thant’s hope for building a better economic order, which he believed would be the most lasting contribution of the UN, was in line with the Millennium Development Goals set out by the UN in the year 2000. He had appealed to developed nations to devote their resources and energies to relieving the many problems faced by developing countries, including the basic need for better nutrition, clothing, shelter, and medical care.

Goals & Objectives

To achieve this Mission, the Institute, even at the early growth stage, has undertaken varied programs linked by a single purpose — to advance the cause of peace through education and information. These programs provide information and promote an understanding of world events and shed light on problems facing global citizens. The common thread of these programs is the “One World” vision of U Thant where citizens practice the ideals of tolerance, compassion, and cooperation by initiating dialogue between and within nations for better understanding and cooperation.

In so doing, the U Thant Institute will use its unique position to form alliances with United Nations organs, non-governmental organizations, educational establishments, philanthropic institutions, scholars and individuals. The Institute aims to achieve, in small and large steps, its goal of peace through education to enable comprehension of conflicts, discernment of causes, and healing of ills.

To this end, the U Thant Institute will work to reach a wide audience by bringing together people of differing cultures, faiths and religions in educational, civic and social forums that address the diversity, challenges and possibilities of our world.

"We have to understand each other and develop a spirit of One World." — U Thant