A new United Nations college, the University for Peace in Costa Rica, is discussed. After providing a brief historical sketch on peace efforts since the Ancient Greeks, the objectives of the United Nations University are identified. The University for Peace is a new international university that is part of the United Nations University network, a decentralized system of affiliated institutions. Costa Rican President Rodrigo Carazo proposed the establishment of the university to the United Nations, which took into consideration the recommendations of United Nations-affiliated bodies, as well as the comments of 10 nations. The following long-range goals for the university were suggested by the United Nations presidential commission: to seek solutions to psychosocial and natural problems that provoke tension, violence, and war in the world; and to contribute content and forms that may be useful in achieving world peace through education, knowledge, and research. Seven topics for interdisciplinary study and research were also suggested, including peace education, human rights, communications, and scientific and technology transfer. Also considered were: recommendations related to university purpose and structure, relationships with other United Nations bodies, and steps to put the university in operation. (SW)