The ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Council is composed of 12 appointed members (who serve in an individual capacity, not as representatives of their countries), the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Rector, and three ex officio members (the UN Secretary-General, the UNESCO Director-General and the UNITAR Executive Director). The ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Council is responsible, inter alia, for devising the principles and policies that govern the University¡¯s operations, and for considering and approving the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ budget and work programme.
The ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Council currently holds two regular sessions per year. It reports annually to the UN General Assembly, the UN Economic and Social Council, and the Executive Board of UNESCO.