Institute for Ethics, Governance and Law

The Institute for Ethics, Governance and Law is 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 “think tank”. 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. The UNU comprises of the UNU Centre in Tokyo, Japan and 14 permanent Institutes – known formally as “Research and Training Centres and Programmes” (RTC/Ps). The UNU is assisted by 23 institutions of academic excellence designated as “UNU Associated Institution”. Full details on the UNU RTC/Ps and Associated Institutions are available at the UNU website.

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 ten such institutions in the world.

IEGL is headquartered at Griffith University’s Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance which became the first centre to join IEGL. In 2006 two more centres joined, QUT’s Law and Justice Research Centre and the Centre for International and Public Law at ANU. IEGL leads the ARC Governance Research Network (GovNet). In 2008 the Center for Asian Integrity (CAI) was established in Manila, Philippines, under the auspices of IEGL, with the support of AusAID and USAID funding. The CAI is the Asia-Pacific’s first regional centre for research and the prevention of corruption. More information about the origins and development of IEGL.

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. More information on IEGL’s mission and aims.