UNU-CRIS

The Institute for Comparative Regional Integration Studies at the University of the United Nations ( engl. United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies, short UNU -CRIS ) is a research and training institute dedicated regional on comparative studies on regional integration, monitoring and assessment has specialized integration and the study of the interactions between regional and global organizations. The aim of the company founded in Bruges, Belgium, in 2001 the institute is to produce policy- relevant knowledge about new forms of governance and cooperation and to contribute to capacity building in terms of regional integration, especially in developing countries.

UNU -CRIS is located in Groot Seminarie, in the historic abbey of ter Duinen ( Potterierei 72, 8000 Bruges ).

Financing

UNU -CRIS is funded by the Flemish government and the Kingdom of Belgium. With the support of the region West Flanders UNU -CRIS is in Groot Seminarie. The signed in 2001 by the United Nations University and the Flemish Government Memorandum of Understanding has established institutional cooperation with the College of Europe.

Structure

The structure of the UNU -CRIS follows the guidelines of the UNU and the UNU Council. UNU -CRIS is headed by the Director and Deputy Director, which are responsible for the research, the management of the establishment and the implementation of the requirements of the scientific advisory board. The latter consists of internationally renowned scientists and to meet annually for performance evaluation and discuss the future development and strategy. The actual research is done by scientists in the spot Bruges and associated scientists from institutions from different regions of the world.

Order

The mission of UNU -CRIS is to contribute to achieving the universal goals of the United Nations (UN ) and the UNU. Through comparative and interdisciplinary research to better understand the processes and the influence of intra-and inter-regional integration is to be achieved. For this purpose, the work of UNU -CRIS puts on its value:

  • The visualization such as multi-level governance is formed,
  • The observation of regional integration,
  • The deepening the critical understanding of regional integration as a process of social transformation as well as the relationships between micro-and macro - regionalism,
  • The gain of the "governance capacities" at local, national, regional and global levels in respect of regional integration,
  • The valuation of the real and the possible role of regions in the UN system.

Research

The research activities aimed at the implementation of the order of UNU -CRIS and the strategies of the Scientific Advisory Board. For this purpose, the research is divided into four areas:

Comparative Regional Integration

  • Critical evaluation of the currently observable in the existing regional integration arrangements governance modes for comparative analyzes of these to be able to deliver.
  • Investigation of the driving forces and shaping factors that determine the regional integration arrangements as well as investigation of new realities, which cause the formation of multi-level governance systems.
  • Development of an interdisciplinary conceptual understanding and the explanation of regional governance models to raise awareness and understanding of the regional cooperation inherent political, economic and social relationships to deepen.
  • Whereas normative issues relating to governance, sovereignty, democratization and policy-making in the context of regional integration.
  • Derivation of policy- relevant outputs which is suitable for the various entities involved in regional integration processes actors, as well as specific answers to specific questions relevant client groups.
  • Support activities for capacity-building of various involved in the management of regional integration and cooperation actors.

Monitoring Regional Integration

  • Systematic identification and description of the diversity and evolution of currently existing regional integration arrangements using different time horizons.
  • Support the discussion on the role and importance of ( macro - ) regional level in global governance through stronger empirical basis.
  • Development of retrospective observation and measurement tools as well as forward-looking Vorhersagungswerkzeuge for the regional integration process.
  • Organization of participatory simulations to identify possible scenarios for regional integration processes and contribute to promoting the sustainability of this. Due to the inclusion of different stakeholders in visualizing the future of their region
  • Support of stakeholders and academics by providing a database of qualitative and quantitative information about regional integration processes (Regional Integration Knowledge System - RIKS ).

Regional Peace and Security

  • Study how regional integration can contribute to the achievement of human security.
  • Involvement of all relevant stakeholders ( through use of participatory methods) in the evaluation of how these can contribute to various forms of integration and the integration with the aim of promoting peace and security.
  • Development of a database of research and training modules that can be used to capacity-building, particularly for regional organizations to contribute to achieve human security.

Socio-economic dimension of regional integration

  • Analysis of how regional integration new development paradigms, which are part of the UN Millennium Development Goals, can be used.
  • Analysis of the conditions under which new multi-dimensional regionalism can serve as an effective engine for development.
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