(a joint initiative of the United Nations University, Griffith University and the Queensland University of Technology in association with the Australian National University)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a globally networked university and UN research ‘engine house’.  UNU is dedicated to research relevant to the UN and international community.  In an information society and world, the comparative advantage of UNU lies in its identity as the custodian and manager of knowledge-based networks that give it a global mandate and reach. It comprises 23 centres – of which 13 are full members and 10 are located in ‘associated institutions’.  In 2004, IEGL was established at the suggestion of the UNU to fill an important gap in its research (ethics, governance and law) and a geographical gap (Oceania).  Through the establishment of the Institute, Griffith University has become a "United Nations University Associated Institution" - the first in Australasia and one of only a ten such institutions in the world.  IEGL is headquartered at the ARC Key Centre for Ethics, Law Justice and Governance which became the first centre to join IEGL.  In 2006 two more centres joined – the Centre for Law and Justice at QUT and the Centre for International and Public Law in 2007.  Click here for more information about the origins and development of IEGL.

Today IEGL has three member centres brings together an ARC Key Centre and an ARC research network and two other leading university research centres.  IEGL is now the largest centre in the UNU system in terms of current funding (c$8m pa) – though the smallest in terms of endowment.

IEGL’s Vision is to be a globally networked resource for the development of values-based governance through research and capacity building. It aims to engage other academic, non-government organisations, government, business and multilateral institutions and networks to improve governance and build institutional integrity in governments, corporations, non-government organisations and international institutions.

IEGL’s mission is to build on the strengths of the participating centres to make an internationally significant contribution to research, teaching, consultancy and capacity building in the areas of institutional and community governance.  Click here for more information on mission and aims