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international international
Celebrating the 55th
Anniversary of unWG-Geneva
Interview with
mrs Ajkuna
Thanati
President of the United Nations
Women’s Guild
The United Nations is celebrating its 80th I joined the Women’s Guild because I wanted to
anniversary, while the United Women’s Guild contribute to causes that make a real difference
marks its 55th. The UN, both in Geneva and for children in need. I was deeply inspired by the
New York, has long been an incubator of many spirit of volunteerism that defines the Guild and
positive initiatives. One of the most popular is truly amazed by the diversity of its members.
the Women’s Guild, and in particular its annual With more than 100 nationalities represented, it
UN Bazaar, held on the UN premises. feels like a living, beautiful tapestry: just imagine
the flags of all those countries displayed side by
This remarkable event draws more than 4,000 side, a powerful reminder of unity and shared
visitors each year and has become a true purpose! For me, the Guild is more than just
highlight of the UN community. For many an organization, it is a community of women
years, the Women’s Guild has thrived under united by compassion, purpose, and a shared
the stewardship of a dynamic and insightful commitment to making a difference in the lives
leader, whom we had the privilege of meeting in of children around the world.
Geneva.
This year is especially meaningful as we mark
The floor is yours, Madam President. the Guild’s 55th anniversary. This milestone
reflects the enduring dedication of its members
Could you please tell us a bit about your and the lasting impact of its work for children
background and what inspired you to join the worldwide.
Guild?
I arrived in the beautiful city of Geneva in 2002, Many of us know the Women’s Guild through the
accompanying my husband, who had been Annual International Bazaar at UNOG. Could
appointed Permanent Representative of Albania you tell us more about the Bazaar and what it
after completing his mandate as Ambassador to represents?
Bern, Switzerland. It was an exciting new chapter The Annual International Bazaar is one of the
for us, not only for his professional opportunity, highlight events within International Geneva.
but also for the chance to raise our children in The organization of this event is a joyful and
Switzerland and benefit from its excellent public vibrant collaboration between UNOG, UNWG,
education system. and participating Permanent Missions. The
w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h
projects for children and young mothers, while the Children’s Walk
funds scholarships for high school students.
Each year, members are invited to submit project proposals, which are
carefully screened by the Vice-President for Projects and then reviewed
and approved by the Executive Committee. It’s a collaborative process
that ensures all information is verified before a project receives funding.
Once a project is completed, sponsors submit a detailed report on how
the funds were used, including receipts, so we can track real impact
The Children’s Walk is financed by the parents of participating children.
UNWG volunteers and the Bazaar Committee The dedication of our little champions is truly inspiring. The money raised
form the backbone of this celebration. goes toward scholarships for secondary school students, often covering up
For one day, the Palais des Nations transforms into to four years of education.
a celebration of cultures from all over the world,
alive with music, dance, colorful traditional dress, It’s heartening to see how these scholarships have helped many students
complete their secondary education and pursue further studies,
and delicious culinary delights that tell their own
becoming self-reliant and independent.
stories. Visitors can wander from country to
country without leaving the building, meeting
people, sharing traditions, and experiencing the Apart from the Bazaar, what other activities does the Guild organize?
We offer a wide range of activities that foster learning, creativity,
richness of our global community. wellness, and community, including:
• Language classes: French, English, German, Spanish, and Japanese
But the Bazaar is much more than an event • Social games: Bridge and Mah Jong
of cultural gathering – it is also the UNWG’s • Creative arts workshops: Ikebana, painting, photography
opportunity to turn goodwill into real change. • Cook and Connect sessions
Every year, the funds we raise go directly to • Wellness activities: Pilates, yoga, meditation, and Bollywood Beats
projects that support vulnerable children across • Outdoor experiences: Wellness walks and hiking excursions
the globe. Last year alone, thanks to this collective
effort, we were able to help 26 projects in We also host two annual art exhibitions to showcase the talents of our
countries including Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, artist members—one at UNOG and another at WIPO. If any artworks
Bulgaria, Cameroon, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, are sold, the proceeds go directly to the Children’s Walk fund.
Guinea, India, Kenya, Moldova, Mongolia,
Morocco, Nigeria, Romania, Sri Lanka, Trinidad How can someone become a member of the Guild?
and Tobago, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Membership is open to women connected through work or family to the
Uzbekistan. United Nations, its Specialized Agencies, other International Organizations
in Geneva, and Permanent Missions.
We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support
of our Honorary Presidents, Madame Tatiana Women without a direct UN connection may become Associate
Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Members if recommended by two UNWG-Geneva members and
Office at Geneva, and Ambassador Jürg Lauber, approved by the Executive Committee.
Permanent Representative of Switzerland. This
year, we are also honored to have Ambassador Our members come from diverse backgrounds. Many are spouses
Tovar Silva Da Nunes of Brazil serving as our of diplomats or UN staff, or retirees from various UN Secretariats
Chairperson. and Agencies. We also warmly welcome women from the broader
international community who share our values and commitment to
The Bazaar is a reminder of what can happen service.
when cultures come together—not only to share
and celebrate, but to extend a helping hand to Interested individuals can find all necessary information on our
those who need it most. website: www.unwg.ch
How do the Guild’s charity projects work, and What is the core mission of the Guild, and how has it evolved?
how are they selected? The core mission of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) is to
Our two most important fundraising events assist children in vulnerable situations, support mother and childcare
are the Annual Bazaar and the Children’s programs worldwide, and foster a sense of community among women
Walk. Funds raised through the Bazaar support affiliated with the United Nations.
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