Ambassador and Permanent Observer of UPEACE

Reichman University and UPEACE signed a MoU

Photo courtesy of the author

In January 2023, Reichman University and the University for Peace signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further increase academic cooperation in the region. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1980, the University for Peace (with a campus in Costa Rica) offers graduate programs related to peace and conflict resolution, environment and development, and international law.

At its only partner in Israel, Reichman University will contribute to develop activities with other key higher education institutions in the Middle East as well as international organizations in Geneva and UNESCO.

Both Reichman University and the University for Peace look forward to this new era of cooperation, which will not doubt benefit students and faculty in our respective institutions. Together, we look forward to developing this relationship and promoting the key role of diplomacy in the achievement of peace and stability.

About the Author

Dr. David Fernández Puyana was born in Spain and is a practitioner and international lawyer specialized in international human rights law, international relations, peace studies, United Nations and civil society movements. He earned a Phd with European Mention and he has also a Degree on Law & Philosophy, as well as, some Masters on Human Rights (Essex, Alcala de Henares and Barcelona Universities). He served as adviser at the UNESCO Liaison Office and the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the UN in Geneva. As a legal assistant of the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the UN Intergovernmental Working Group on the right to peace, he was one of the architects of the Declaration on the Right to Peace adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2016. He advises Paz sin Fronteras and is Professor of Public International Law at Abat Oliba University CEU. Since June 2018, he serves as Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the University for Peace established by the UN General Assembly to the UN and UNESCO. He is also nominated Gender Champion.