ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some of the externally oriented UN learning programs and examines the results and potential associated with them. It begins with a general introduction to the topic of social learning, particularly as it relates to international organizations and the UN, specifically. United Nation University (UNU) has a basic mandate to contribute to the resolution of global problems related to human survival, development and welfare. Most UN external learning initiatives have been directed at post-secondary educational involvement, but over the past 15 years the system has also started programming aimed at private sector and civil society organizations. The chapter on UN external learning initiatives highlights some of the system's official outreach programs designed to educate the public on UN principles and objectives and connect it more closely with UN activity. Many of these endeavours are concentrated on learning at the university level, though the UN has reached out to younger students, the private sector and civil society as well.
