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The United Nations University vice Rectorate in Europe (UNU-ViE) is an integral part of the Rector office and the first Vice Rectorate of UNU outside the headquarters in Japan. Established in May 2007 in Bonn, it strengthens the presence of UNU in Europe with a concentration on Russia, Central Asia and Africa.

Constituting an important building block towards the aim to strengthen the United Nations University presence in Europe and a further step in its process of decentralization, the main focus of the institute is to concentrate on questions related to science and technology in the goal to ensure human security. It intends to ensure development as well as knowledge transfer. In addition, it attempts to strengthen the institutional development of UNU and its partners within enhancing cooperation between them.

The institution is dedicated to develop knowledge-based sustainable solutions for global problems and is therefore an active organizer of international science policy dialogues for sustainability. The Vice Rectorate is structured into two sections:

1. Strategic partnerships, Capacity Development and Science Policy Dialogues Section (SCIENTIA): it supports the development of research and science-based policy programmes and explores innovative pathways to advance capacity development with a special focus on e-learning and knowledge management in the higher education context in developing countries. It contributes to the goal of the ViE to initiate, support, and co-ordinate projects aiming at the development of capacity development and knowledge transfer. The work of the section has a regional focus on Africa as the UNU plays a strategic role there as a facilitator of dialogue, a capacity builder, a provider of postgraduate training, and a promoter of innovation.
2. Institutional Development and Planning Section (IDEAS): it is the networking focal point for Europe, Africa and Russia. It plays a strategic role in the institutional development of UNU and its partners. The section initiates and supports new research and graduate education activities on a global scale and stimulates the establishment of new UNU institutes and partnerships.

Procurement for the United Nations University Vice Rectorate in Europe is implemented by the Procurement Department following the rules, regulations, procedures and instructions from the United Nations Procurement Division (UNPD). The department in question works to ensure that all required goods and services are obtained in accordance with the best value for money principle and in a fair and transparent manner.

Conclusively, UNU ViE is intended to carry out numerous scientific exchange programmes involving Europe, Africa and Central Asia and a larger number of UNU research and training organizations. Its activities consist in the introduction of projects aiming to promote intellectual capacity building and knowledge transfer.