LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University President Keith T. Miller has been appointed to serve as a representative of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) to the United Nations. J. Michael Adams, president of Fairleigh Dickinson University, president-elect of IAUP and IAUP’s other representative to the UN, recommended Miller for the appointment.
Speaking of Miller’s appointment, Adams said, “Dr. Miller is a respected member of the Executive Committee of IAUP who has impressed the group with his intellect, professorial manner and understanding of complex issues.” He added, “Dr. Miller moves into a position of leadership and influence in our relationship with the United Nations with the full confidence and support of the IAUP.”
Miller said that he is “honored by being asked to serve as IAUP representative to the UN.” “I look forward to expanding the score of my service to the UN and its many shared initiatives with IAUP,” he added.
IAUP’s objectives are “the advancement for the public benefit of science, education, the arts, culture and heritage, conflict resolution and reconciliation, human rights, religious and racial harmony and equality and diversity by facilitating the development of, and co-operation between, universities and other institutions around the world.” IAUP has been actively involved with the UN for more than forty years and has Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Status II.
In 1981, IAUP recommended that the UN establish “The Day of Peace,” The Month of Peace,” and “The Year of Peace.” At the 36th session of the UN General Assembly on November 30, 1981, the UN designated 1986 as the UN International Year of Peace. That same recommendation designated the third Tuesday of every September as the UN International Day of Peace.
IAUP is involved in a wide variety of United Nations programs and initiatives. The IAUP/United Nations Commission for Disarmament, Conflict Resolution and Peace is the first commission within the United Nations to be jointly run by an outside agency. This commission meets regularly at the United Nations and has always been headed by a member of IAUP.
In 1981, Rodrigo Carazo, then president of Costa Rica, spoke to the VI Triennial of IAUP. He stated, “If you want peace, you must educate for peace.” Noting that “the agents of change at any college or university are its chief executive officers,” IAUP embraces Carazo’s challenge of educating for peace. There are on average 500 members in IAUP. In their efforts to improve education for all, IAUP CEOs influence over three million students a year. IAUP holds regional conferences throughout the world that are open to all.
IAUP is a leading force guiding a new IAUP/UN partnership called the Academic Impact. This initiative will create relationships between the UN and institutions of higher education around the world. Other IAUP activities within the UN include the UN University for Peace, UNESC0, the IAUP Commission on University-Industry Collaboration, and the World Bank.
Miller said, “I value every opportunity to work with other dedicated individuals to promote the causes of education and peace, here at home and around the world.”