The history and origins of The Global Open University for World Peace (TGOUWP), Italy date back to May 1995 when His Holiness Dr. TYS Lama Gangchen Tulku Rinpoche, the world renowned Peace Educator established the University at the behest of the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP). It took more than 1000 days in formulating the Constitution, the Charter and the Regulations of the University. Accordingly The Global Open University for World Peace (TGOUWP) was incorporated in June 1998. The University now functions from its campus at Albagnano which is one and a half hours drive from Milan, Italy. Albagnano is close to Switzerland. The small mountain village of Albagnano lies 600 metres high in the mountains above Lake Maggiore, between the lakeside town of Intra, and the famous Tourist Resort of Premeno. Albagnano is set nearby the natural reserve of Sacro Monta della Santissima Trinita and by the Val Grande mountain range, overlooking the dreamy landscape of the lake. Surrounded by a pine forest and chestnut trees, it is the ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, entering an environment where the elements are still pure.

The Global Open University for World Peace (TGOUWP) is sponsored by the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP), an international organisation having consultative status with ECOSOC, UNDPI, UNCED, UNESCO and UNICEF. Initiated in 1967 in Alabama, USA by Dr. Charles Mercieca, IAEWP became an NGO affiliate of United Nations (Economic and Social Council - ECOSOC). Later on it also became a part of the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI). IAEWP officially got linked with UNICEF and UNCED in 1990. IAEWP has more than 100 Chapters in different countries of the world.

The President of IAEWP Dr. Charles Mercieca is the Visitor of the University and the Executive Vice President of IAEWP, Dr. Surya Nath Prasad is the Executive President of the University. By the authority vested in the IAEWP, HH Dr. Lama Gangchen Tulku Rinpoche, National Chancellor of IAEWP for Italy was appointed as the President of the University on 5th June 1998 during the global proclamation at Bagni di Lucca, Italy.