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École Moser
École Moser was founded by Mr Henri Moser in 1961 and is now run by his son Alain Moser. It is one of the last family‑run private schools in French‑speaking Switzerland. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way the school operates. How do you see the school after...
We’re off to the (UN) beach!
No need to travel this summer. The UN Beach is open and waiting for you in the heart of Geneva and on the shores of our beautiful lake. The gates are open This summer the UN Beach will be open as usual, every day from 9 am to 11 pm and welcoming everyone who wants to...
Dialogues en humanité : une école de la démocratie à ciel ouvert
À première vue, on pourrait se dire que les quelque 10 000 personnes qui se retrouvent chaque année en juillet dans le parc de la Tête d’or à Lyon sont de doux rêveurs. Imaginés lors du Sommet mondial sur le développement durable organisé par l'ONU en 2002 à...
Time for ‘Demopraxy’ and the Rebirth of society
Interview (over skype) with maestro Michelangelo Pistoletto, the world-renowned artist, creator of the Rebirth sculpture at the Palais des Nations. Maestro Pistoletto is still recovering from the COVID-19 virus after a long isolation in a hospital in Biella, Italy....
Lift the lockdowns on Parliaments too
During the ongoing coronavirus emergency, extraordinary measures may have been necessary so that national leaders can make rapid and vital decisions that have had a restrictive effect on how we enjoy freedoms. But these measures should be short-term only. They must...
ECOLINT – Ecole Internationale de Genève
Ecolint is the second largest international school in the world, and birthplace of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Ecolint – short for Ecole Internationale de Genève - was founded in 1924 by local pedagogues keen to make learning more child-centric, and...
Fabrizio Hochschild-Drummond, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Preparations for the Commemoration of the United Nations 75th Anniversary
In the midst of a global pandemic is now the right time to celebrate the UN’s 75th birthday? Covid-19 has shown how crucial it is for us work together - across borders, sectors and generations. It has laid bare our underlying interdependencies. As the whole UN system...
Editorial – June 2020
This edition is unique, as it marks the 800th monthly publication of our long history. As most of you know, we started in 1949 as UN Special right here, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. We are now called UN Today, but we have the same motivation of our founders:...
Return to the office at the time of COVID-19
Ms. Daniela Wuerz, Senior Coordination Officer at UNOG, has been at the forefront of UNOG’s plan for the return to office. She shared with UN Today how she’s facing the enormous task ahead and how will staff be returning safely to the Palais des Nations. It all starts...
Interview: Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Nada Al-Nashif
UN Today had the chance to interview the new Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, who joined OHCHR on 10 February 2020. In order to get to know the DHC better, UN Today asked the DHC a number of questions – both professional and personal. You...
Chinese Language. Some Interesting Facts and Useful Learning Tips
Chinese calligraphy has long been appreciated as an art form through its history. Here a copy of Wang Xizhi's Lantingji Xu, the most famous Chinese calligraphic work. © FENG CHENGSU, ORIGINAL BY WANG XIZHI Chinese language has existed for over 3,000 years, and is the...
Musée international de la Croix‑Rouge et du Croissant‑Rouge. Pour expérimenter l’Aventure humanitaire, suivez la guide
Soixante petites minutes pour vivre une expérience originale d’initiation à l’action humanitaire. Telle est ma mission en tant que guide bénévole pour les visiteurs à travers l’exposition intitulée « L’ Aventure humanitaire » du Musée international de la Croix‑ Rouge...
Le CAGI renforce sa communication pour les Internationaux
L’une des principales missions du CAGI est d’anticiper les besoins des Internationaux nouvellement nommés à Genève ou qui vont y prendre leurs fonctions. Les accompagner dans leurs différentes étapes en matière d’intégration est un axe majeur dans la stratégie de...
L’Ambassadeur Idriss Jazaïry nous a quittés
M. Idriss Jazaïry, diplomate algérien, s’est éteint le 27 février 2020, laissant derrière lui une longue et vaste expérience dans le domaine des relations internationales et des droits de l’Homme. Un parcours universitaire riche et varié M. Jazaïry était détenteur...
Interview with UNOG Director-General Tatiana Valovaya: We were prepared for the pandemic, but it will have financial consequences
“We were prepared for the pandemic, but it will have financial consequences” Her email broadcasts have become a regular fixture during our confinement. But what of the Director-General herself? Only recently arrived in her position, Tatiana Valovaya has had to...
Editorial – May 2020
The Coronavirus pandemic continues to rage around theworld, and we continue to work from home, amidst a delugeof negative news and somber statistics. However, wehave also witnessed good news in the middle of this historiccrisis: the UN humanitarian efforts have been...
Pour expérimenter l’Aventure humanitaire, suivez la guide
Musée international de la Croix‑Rouge et du Croissant‑Rouge Soixante petites minutes pour vivre une expérience originale d’initiation à l’action humanitaire. Telle est ma mission en tant que guide bénévole pour les visiteurs à travers l’exposition intitulée « L’...
Some Interesting Facts and Useful Learning Tips
Chinese language has existed for over 3,000 years, and is the most used mother tongue on the planet with over 1.2 billion native speakers and learned by many more. Chinese language is always shrouded in numerous myths. This article is thus interested in guiding you...
A Glimpse of a New Book on the World Health Organization, A History
The roots of the World Health Organization can be traced to the development during the nineteenth century of “international health”, which emerged primarily as a response to epidemic and pandemic threats perceived to be coming to Western Europe from “the East.”...
Commemoration of 40 Years of the University for Peace
The University for Peace is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of promoting and working for conflict transformation and resolution, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and understanding among peoples and societies around the globe. Commemorating 40 years of existence speaks...
A time for reflection and action
The International Day for Mine Assistance and Awareness of Mine Action A time to remember the importance of eliminating the threat posed to vulnerable populations by mines, explosive remnants of war, improvised explosive devices, and more…Mine Action plays a unique...
Solidarité, maître mot de la lutte contre le COVID-19
Les Nations Unies et l’Éthiopie ont inauguré le premier vol de solidarité de l’ONU. Ce service a été mis sur pied afin d’aider plus de 120 pays dont les systèmes de santé sont des plus vulnérables dans leur lutte contre le COVID‑19. A cette occasion, une plate-forme...
L’Ambassadeur Idriss Jazaïry nous a quittés
M. Idriss Jazaïry, diplomate algérien, s’est éteint le 27 février 2020, laissant derrière lui une longue et vaste expérience dans le domaine des relations internationales et des droits de l’Homme. Un parcours universitaire riche et varié M. Jazaïry était détenteur...
Hospitality with heart : Successfully branching out into the pandemic relief effort
Heart-warming examplesof how the hospitality sectorhas harnessed its infrastructureto deliver community supportto those on the COVID‑19frontline. Since the worldwide safety measuresto combat COVID‑19 were announcedtwo months ago, much has been writtenabout the...
Le CAGI renforce sa communication pour les Internationaux
L’une des principales missions du CAGI est d’anticiper les besoins des Internationaux nouvellement nommés à Genève ou qui vont y prendre leurs fonctions. Les accompagner dans leurs différentes étapes en matière d’intégration est un axe majeur dans la stratégie de...
Food Outlook: COVID‑19 and restricted movements across borders
Following the outbreak in more than 200 territories and countries around the globe and its impact on the world economy, countries will continue seeing a growing shortage of workforce as well as increasing transaction cost and distortions in the food supply chains...
André Schneider, Directeur général de Genève Aéroport
Quels sont les effets du coronavirus sur les activités de Genève Aéroport et sur sa santé financière? Le fort ralentissement du trafic aérien - à peine une vingtaine de mouvements par jour et quelques centaines de passagers au début avril - entraîne une forte chute...
UNOG Staff Coordinating Council News at a glance
UN Today In 2019 the Staff Council took the unanimous decision to separate from the WHO and to start to produce its very own magazine- the UN Today. The aim of this brand-new magazine is to produce articles of direct interest to UN staff, missions, and diplomats on a...
A time for civility and office kinship
The Covid-19 pandemic strongly impacts our habits, as working virtually for longer periods is a new experience for many. We offer you some tips to make this work!Your Ombudsman is here to help! In this trying period, your Regional Ombudsman, Mr. Theotocatos, and his...
A Healthy Workforce for a Better World
28th of April International day for safety and health at workHave you heard about the UN’s Mental Health and Well-being Strategy? UN staff, diplomats and international employees, are often attracted to working in the humanitarian field, we want to make the world a...
L’ONU Genève oeuvre pour le bien-être de son personnel
Face aux défis posés par l’actuelle pandémie de COVID‑19 sur la santé et le moral de son personnel, l’ONU Genève mise sur la solidarité à travers plusieurs initiatives. L’ONU Genève face aux nouvelles réalités apportées par COVID-19 La pandémie de COVID-19 qui sévit...
Ensuring Respect for International Law in Armed Conflict: The Key Role of Knowledge Dissemination
In recent years, armed conflicts have reminded us that the need to ensure respect for international law during armed conflicts is as acute as ever.Situations of armed conflict affect the lives of millions of people globally. In this context, humanitarian organizations...
Capturing the human stories behind humanitarian assistance
For as long as I can remember, I had a passion for visual creativity. As a kid, I struggled with painting or drawing but I always enjoyed being able to show others the things that I see.The coolest job at the organisation My name is Muse Mohammed and I am the...
Interview with Robert Mardini, Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Robert Mardini is, since 30 March 2020, the new ICRC Director-General. Born and raised in Lebanon and educated in Switzerland, he has worked extensively on the Syrian and Yemeni conflicts. We interviewed him to know more about his vision of the ICRC and the challenges...
Rencontre avec un homme au service des plus vulnérables
Onzième Haut-Commissaire en charge des réfugiés, Filippo Grandi a eu la lourde tâche de succéder à l’actuel Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, Antonio Guterres. Depuis le début de son mandat le diplomate italien doit non seulement gérer des situations relatives à...
A New Paradigm: Living in Geneva in Pandemic Times
Because of the Coronavirus global health crisis, we now behave differently. Coping with all these changes can be stressful. Still, we continue to deliver under this new paradigm. Every night at 9:00 pm my wife and I go out to the balcony...
Beyond the Gender Binary
As the UN system looks to reform and make efforts for a more inclusive and diverse work force, what will this mean for the most unrepresented members of society in particular gender diverse persons? The buzz words these days in the UN HR corridors is the future of...
Hommes et femmes différemment touchés par le COVID-19
Alors que le coronavirus poursuit sa rapide propagation à travers le monde, professionnels de la santé et experts ne peuvent que constater l’importance du genre, déterminant la façon dont les personnes sont touchées. D’une part, les hommes sont plus enclins à être...
UN Internships in Times of COVID-19
Two UNOG interns share their experience of working from home during these strange times of COVID-19 pandemic Valerii is an intern at the United Nations Office at Geneva who currently lives in Geneva Following my ideals and principles After living in Italy for the past...
Lettre à la rédaction / Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor-in-Chief, Let me congratulate you on the first issue of UN Today. I hope UN Today will fill the dire need for a voice for UN staff in this age of upheaval. Hence, the focus on “The future of Work” is apt and timely. As we hold this magazine in...
UN Staff under COVID-19 quarantine
Since 16 mars all UNOG staff have been requested to work from home. Here are their views and thoughts on full-time telecommute. A couple weeks ago our lives changed overnight. As Italy was experiencing ever-growing death toll our management decided it was safer for...
Coumba Mar Gadio : un parcours exceptionnel, une femme de terrain
Olivier Meyer, Paloma Redondo * Coumba Mar Gadio, Coordonnatrice résidente du système des Nations Unies en Zambie, évoque pour UN Today ses vingt années d’activité à l’ONU et les défis professionnels et personnels qu’implique un tel engagement Curiosité et ouverture...
Decades of commitment honoured at Long Service Awards
“I am proud to serve the United Nations and I keep my head high and upright in my mission – which is not easy. But this is the United Nations, and all of you here are my friends and serve with as much determination as I do.” Sergeant Claude Foudral spoke these words...
Only Through Structural Change Will the UN Achieve Gender Equality and Leave No One Behind
Young UN reflects on progress made and action needed to achieve gender equality in the UN System. 2020 marks a series of important anniversaries for advancing gender equality, including the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the...
United Nations’ Invisible Workforce
Unequal gender norms and sexism makes women and interns more vulnerable within our Organisation. According to the 2018 review of UN internship programmes, from 2009 to 2015 female interns made up 56% of all UN Secretariat interns, with male counterparts accounting for...
Non à l’inégalité salariale !
Face à l'injustice en matière salariale les fonctionnaires de l’ONUG ne baissent toujours pas les bras Février 2020 a marqué le deuxième anniversaire de l’introduction des coupes salariales pour les fonctionnaires de la catégorie professionnelle et au-delà basés à...
Movses Abelian, Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management
1. People tend to believe that Gender Champions are women. You are among the few men who have been designated Gender Champion. Can you tell us why it's important to have men championing gender equality, and what you, in particular, bring...
Another UN International Day?
“Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.”― Kofi Annan, Former UN...
Universel et Régional réunis pour coordonner leurs interprétations
Depuis 2016, c’est devenu une tradition… Le Comité contre la torture, avec le soutien de la Fondation René Cassin – Institut international des droits de l’Homme (Strasbourg – France), invite les trois juridictions de protection des droits de l’Homme à venir à sa...
Celebrate forests with us!
If “International Day of Forests” rings a bell, this might be because ever since this special day to celebrate forests was designated in 2012, the UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber section has been working hard to bring forests closer to you. Remember a cave made of paper...
