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Celebrating the 55th projects for children and young mothers, while the Children’s Walk
funds scholarships for high school students.
Anniversary of unWG-Geneva 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
Interview with form the backbone of this celebration. goes toward scholarships for secondary school students, often covering up
mrs Ajkuna For one day, the Palais des Nations transforms into to four years of education.

a celebration of cultures from all over the world,
Thanati 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.
President of the United Nations stories. Visitors can wander from country to
country without leaving the building, meeting
Women’s Guild 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
The United Nations is celebrating its 80th I joined the Women’s Guild because I wanted to Every year, the funds we raise go directly to • Wellness activities: Pilates, yoga, meditation, and Bollywood Beats
anniversary, while the United Women’s Guild contribute to causes that make a real difference projects that support vulnerable children across • Outdoor experiences: Wellness walks and hiking excursions
marks its 55th. The UN, both in Geneva and for children in need. I was deeply inspired by the the globe. Last year alone, thanks to this collective
New York, has long been an incubator of many spirit of volunteerism that defines the Guild and effort, we were able to help 26 projects in We also host two annual art exhibitions to showcase the talents of our
positive initiatives. One of the most popular is truly amazed by the diversity of its members. countries including Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, artist members—one at UNOG and another at WIPO. If any artworks
the Women’s Guild, and in particular its annual With more than 100 nationalities represented, it Bulgaria, Cameroon, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, are sold, the proceeds go directly to the Children’s Walk fund.
UN Bazaar, held on the UN premises. feels like a living, beautiful tapestry: just imagine Guinea, India, Kenya, Moldova, Mongolia,
the flags of all those countries displayed side by Morocco, Nigeria, Romania, Sri Lanka, Trinidad How can someone become a member of the Guild?
This remarkable event draws more than 4,000 side, a powerful reminder of unity and shared and Tobago, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Membership is open to women connected through work or family to the
visitors each year and has become a true purpose! For me, the Guild is more than just Uzbekistan. United Nations, its Specialized Agencies, other International Organizations
highlight of the UN community. For many an organization, it is a community of women in Geneva, and Permanent Missions.
years, the Women’s Guild has thrived under united by compassion, purpose, and a shared We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support
the stewardship of a dynamic and insightful commitment to making a difference in the lives of our Honorary Presidents, Madame Tatiana Women without a direct UN connection may become Associate
leader, whom we had the privilege of meeting in of children around the world. Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Members if recommended by two UNWG-Geneva members and
Geneva. Office at Geneva, and Ambassador Jürg Lauber, approved by the Executive Committee.
This year is especially meaningful as we mark Permanent Representative of Switzerland. This
The floor is yours, Madam President. the Guild’s 55th anniversary. This milestone year, we are also honored to have Ambassador Our members come from diverse backgrounds. Many are spouses
reflects the enduring dedication of its members Tovar Silva Da Nunes of Brazil serving as our of diplomats or UN staff, or retirees from various UN Secretariats
Could you please tell us a bit about your and the lasting impact of its work for children Chairperson. and Agencies. We also warmly welcome women from the broader
background and what inspired you to join the worldwide. international community who share our values and commitment to
Guild? The Bazaar is a reminder of what can happen service.
I arrived in the beautiful city of Geneva in 2002, Many of us know the Women’s Guild through the when cultures come together—not only to share
accompanying my husband, who had been Annual International Bazaar at UNOG. Could and celebrate, but to extend a helping hand to Interested individuals can find all necessary information on our
appointed Permanent Representative of Albania you tell us more about the Bazaar and what it those who need it most. website: www.unwg.ch
after completing his mandate as Ambassador to represents?
Bern, Switzerland. It was an exciting new chapter The Annual International Bazaar is one of the How do the Guild’s charity projects work, and What is the core mission of the Guild, and how has it evolved?
for us, not only for his professional opportunity, highlight events within International Geneva. how are they selected? The core mission of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) is to
but also for the chance to raise our children in The organization of this event is a joyful and Our two most important fundraising events assist children in vulnerable situations, support mother and childcare
Switzerland and benefit from its excellent public vibrant collaboration between UNOG, UNWG, are the Annual Bazaar and the Children’s programs worldwide, and foster a sense of community among women
education system. and participating Permanent Missions. The Walk. Funds raised through the Bazaar support affiliated with the United Nations.

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