What?
Where? How?
The United Nations
is an international organization comprising 192 Member States. As the "town
hall of global affairs", its work affects our life everyday. As the provider
of information on practically every area of human activity, it gives everyone
something to learn.
This information guide has been prepared to help you find answers
to the most commonly asked questions regarding the United Nations and its work.
For ease of reference, it has been organized in alphabetical order.
1. Anthem (of the United Nations)
Though many songs have been written about the United Nations or on
related themes, there is no official anthem or hymn for the Organization.
The United Nations General Assembly has recognized the need for an
official song and accordingly has reserved the right for its selection and
adoption. To date, no decision has been taken on this matter. The United
Nations does not maintain a file of musical compositions or accept suggestions
for this purpose. Moreover, the United Nations does not publish music nor does
it have information on specific musical titles or publications.
2. Archives (documents and records)
The United
Nations Archives and Records Centre provides access to United Nations
documents and declassified Secretariat records. Those wishing to conduct
research should first review relevant printed UN official documents available
at UN Depository Libraries throughout the world. This will provide context for
the Centre's archival records and possibly reduce the time necessary for
research in New York.
There is a charge for each page of printed material photocopied at
the Archives. For service charges and other information, please contact:
UN Archives and Records Centre
3100 47th Avenue
Room Q-328
Long Island City, NY 11101
Tel. (212) 963- 8681
Fax: (212) 963- 8686
Email: arms@un.org ,
Internet : www.un.org/Depts/archives/index.html
The Audio-Visual Production Libraries Unit is the depository of
historical film footage, beginning with the League of Nations, the founding of
the United Nations and the restored film coverage of UNRAA - the United Nations
Relief and Rehabilitation Administration in Europe(1945- 1947). It is also the
depository of current audio- visual coverage.
The Library is open to researchers, scholars and news and
documentary producers. Laboratory processing, screening fees and royalties are
payable as applicable. Film-to-video transfers, and conversions from NTSC to
PAL or SECAM, are done at suggested commercial laboratories.
Requests for information and visual materials may be addressed to :
Audio- Visual Production Libraries Unit
Room S-805M/N
United Nations, New York, NY 10017
Tel.(212) 963-6819/7319
Fax (212) 963-1658
Email : avlibr@un.org
Internet : www.un.org/av/tv/archives.htm
4. Bookshop
At the
United Nations Bookshop at UN Headquarters, one can find hundreds of books
and periodicals issued in many languages by the United Nations and its
related agencies and programmes. Postcards, United Nations calendars, slides,
posters and children's books are also for sale. The Bookshop is open from
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The Bookshop, located in the Public Concourse,
is closed on weekends during January and February. For more information,
write to the United Nations Bookshop, Room GA-32B, United Nations, New
York, NY 10017, tel. (212) 963-7680, toll-free (1-800) 553-3210, fax (212)
963-4910, email: bookshop@un.org
5. Business
Opportunities (with the UN)
Procurement for United Nations
Headquarters in New York, the UN peacekeeping missions, regular programme
activities of the Regional Economic Commissions and, from time to time,
other organizations in the UN system, is coordinated by the Procurement
Division at the UN Secretariat. Parties interested in doing business with
the UN should write to request inclusion in the Supplier Roster.
Upon receipt and acceptance
of the appropriate questionnaire, the firm's name will be added to the
roster and be given equal consideration in the selection process. Please
contact :
Chief, Procurement Division
United Nations Secretariat
New York, NY 10017
Tel. (212) 963- 1468
Fax : ( 212) 963- 3503
E-mail : register@un.org
Internet : www.un.org/Depts/ptd/index.html
6. Coffee
Shop
The Coffee Shop is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Coffee Shop, located in the Public Concourse, is closed on weekends during the months
of January and February.
Most public information materials, including press releases, fact
sheets and features, produced by the Department of Public Information are not
copy righted and can be reproduced without prior permission. UN sales
publications are copyrighted and thus require written permission for
reproduction. Requests for permission to reproduce United Nations material
should be directed to:
Publications Board
United Nations
Room L-382C
New York, NY 10017
Tel. (212) 963-4664
Fax : (212) 963- 0077
8. Dining
Room
The Delegates' Dining Room at UN Headquarters is open for lunch
Monday through Friday. Visitors are seated between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. as
tables become available. Reservations are a must, and should be made as far in advance as possible,
through the Maître d'hôtel, at (212) 963-7625. The age requirement for group
reservations is 12 years or over. Proper attire is required.
The United Nations accepts voluntary financial contributions
provided that the purposes for which the contributions are made are consistent
with the policies, aims and activities of the Organization.
People who wish to make contributions to the United Nations can
make cheques or money orders payable to the United Nations. Cheques or money
order for amounts less than US$100 should be drawn on the US branch of any
bank. Contributions can be sent to:
The Treasurer
Room S-2770A
United Nations
New York, NY 10017
10. Emblem
Use of the UN emblem and seal is restricted. During the first session of the General Assembly in 1946, the General Assembly, by adopting resolution 92 (I), decided that, to prevent the misuse of the United Nations seal and emblem, it could not be used without the authorization of the Secretary-General. Anyone wishing to use the United Nations emblem should submit an official request in writing to the Office of Legal Affairs, United Nations, Room S-3430, New York, NY 10017.
The United Nations periodically recruits qualified personnel in
several categories, including technical assistance experts, professional and
general service. A fact-sheet, outlining employment opportunities with the UN,
can be obtained from the Public Inquiries Unit. For a listing of current
vacancies, interested candidates may consult the United Nations website at the
following addresses:
Candidates, seeking professional employment, should contact:
Professional Staffing Service
Room S-2500
United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel. (212) 963-1089
Fax. (212) 963-3134
Email: estaffing@un.org
Candidates, seeking employment in the general service category,
should contact:
General Service Staffing Section
Room DC1-0200
United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel. (212) 963-8876
Fax. (212) 963-3726
Please note that general service staff of each major office away
from Headquarters is recruited locally, that is, from the area in which the
particular office is located.
DPI is in charge of all exhibits in the Visitors' Lobby (or GA
Public Lobby). It also coordinates exhibits in the 1B Neck area along with the
Office of Special Services. This area is used very often for small displays
targeted at NGOs, delegates and conference attendees, and it is not open to the
general public. The exhibit area by the staff cafeteria in the Secretariat
Lobby is under the domain of the Staff Recreation Council.
Exhibits on the first floor which are open to the general public
normally require scheduling and review by the Exhibits Committee six months in
advance. These exhibits should relate to a UN theme and must be sponsored or
co-sponsored by a UN agency or department. Exhibits by one artist, one
photographer or one country will normally not be accepted for the Public Lobby.
Even those exhibits which are organized by a Mission to the UN must first seek
co-sponsorship with a UN body.
Preliminary proposals can be sent in writing to Ms. Jan Arnesen,
Chief, DPI Exhibits, Room S-994D, United Nations, New York, New York 10017; Fax
963-4556; email: arnesen@un.org
Please send color photocopies of artwork or photographs. Do not
send original photos or artwork that must be returned to the sender.
13. Films/Videos
Almost every aspect of the work of the United Nations and its
specialized agencies is covered in the approximately 100 films and videos
currently in circulation. Catalogue and/or information on UN films and
audio-visual productions may be obtained by writing to the United Nations
Department of Public Information, Audio-Visual Promotion and Distribution Unit,
Room S-805A, New York, NY 10017, or by calling (212)963-6939/6953, fax (212)
963-6869; email:audio-visual@un.org.
The United Nations does not provide a direct loan or rental service.
United
Nations films and videos are available for purchase from UN Headquarters, New
York, or through regional film libraries, except those titles under contract to
distributors. Prices vary depending on the system and format (16 mm or video).
Quotations may be obtained upon request from the Audio-Visual Promotion and
Distribution Unit, Room S-0805A, United Nations, New York, NY 10017, tel. (212)
963-6939/6953, fax (212) 963-6869. For on-line information, please check www.un.org/av/.
14. Flags
Although the UN flag may be
freely displayed to demonstrate support for the UN and its work, use of the
UN emblem, name or initials for commercial purposes, is restricted by the
General Assembly Resolution 92 (1), adopted in 1946.
The United Nations flag and the
flags of all Member States are available from the United Nations Gift Centre
(see below). The flags vary in size from small nylon flags of 4" x
6" to medium-sized flags of 8" x 12" (UN and USA flags only)
and the larger size of 3' x 5'. Prices vary according to size and design.
15. Gift
Centre
The Gift Centre, located in the Public Concourse at UN
Headquarters, carries a variety of United Nations and New York City souvenirs,
unique handicrafts and a wide selection of international gifts and accessories
from around the world. It is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(It is closed on weekends during the months of January and February.)
For more information, or to place a mail order, you may write to
the United Nations Gift Centre, United Nations, New York, NY 10017, or you may
call (212) 963-7700, toll-free (877) 286-4438.
16. Guided
Tours of the United Nations
Guided tours of United Nations Headquarters are conducted Monday to Friday from 9:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The building is closed on some holidays(For more detailed information, please visit our website). A limited schedule may be in effect during the general debate (end-September to mid-October), between Christmas and New Year and during special conferences and events.
Tours last 45 minutes;they include information on the functions and activities of the United Nations as well as an explanation of the various exhibits, architecture and decor of the building. Children under five years of age are not admitted on tour. For information on tours in languages other than English, please call (212) 963-7539 on the day you plan to visit.
Tours last 45 minutes;they include information on the functions and activities of the United Nations as well as an explanation of the various exhibits, architecture and decor of the building. Children under five
years of age are not admitted on tour. For information on tours in languages other than English, please call (212) 963-7539 on the day you plan to visit.
For more information, please contact:
Guided Tours Unit
United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212-963-TOUR(8687)
Tel. 212-963-7539(For tours in languages other than English)
Tel. 212-963-4440(For group reservations)
Email: toursunhq@un.org
Internet: www.un.org/tours
Special
Arrangements for Groups
Guided Tours:
Groups of 12 or more should make reservations for their tours in advance
through Guided Tour Reservations, tel. (212) 963-4440.
Programmes:
For groups of 20 or more, 9th grade and above, the Group Programme Unit can
arrange briefings by Secretariat officials. Requests should be made a minimum
of 4 weeks in advance to the Group Programme Unit, Room GA-61, United Nations,
New York, NY 10017, tel. (212) 963-7710, fax (212) 963-0071 or sending an email to unitg@un.org.. Please note
that as a general policy briefings are not scheduled on weekends or holidays.
The United Nations does not arrange speaking engagements by
representatives of the Member States or Observers. Such arrangements should be
made in writing directly to the Member States' or Observers' Missions to the
United Nations.
Speakers' Bureau: Secretariat officials sometimes accept outside speaking
engagements. These activities are in addition to their regular work schedule.
Therefore, only a limited number of requests can be accommodated. It is necessary
for the inviting organization to cover all expenses for travel and
accommodation of the speaker, and for the expected audience to exceed 100
persons. Requests for speakers should be addressed to the Group Programme Unit,
Room GA-61, United Nations, New York, NY 10017, Tel. (212) 963-7710, fax (212)
963-0071.
17. Inquiries
(from the public)
The UN Public Inquiries Unit handles all questions, comments or
queries from the public about the United nations and its work. If you are
looking for a UN resolution or a UN report, PIU will help you find the right
document and, if it is free material, send it to you free of charge. Those
involved in teaching about the United Nations can also request teaching
materials, including a specially prepared Teacher's Kit.
Please contact the Public Inquiries Unit at the following address:
Public Inquiries Unit.
United Nations
GA-57
New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212-963-4475
Fax. 212-963-0071
Email: inquiries@un.org
Internet: www.un.org/geninfo/faq
18. Internship
The United
Nations Headquarters Internship Programme is offered to graduate students.
It consists of three two-month periods throughout the year. Graduate students
who are interested in doing an internship at United Nations Headquarters should
write to the Coordinator of the Internship Programme, Room S-2580G, United
Nations, New York, NY 10017, tel. (212) 963-4437/7522, fax. (212) 963-3683.
The Dag Hammarskjöld Library at UN
Headquarters is the main repository of UN documents and publications. Though
used primarily by UN staff and delegates and staff of various missions
accredited to the UN, the library also provides limited service to the general
public. Students and researchers may call the loan desk at (212) 963-7422 for reference numbers of UN documents
and request photo copies of certain official documents for a charge of 20 cents
per page. They may also make use of over 350 "UN depository
libraries" around the world which receive UN documents and publications.
Also, you can access the Official Document System (ODS), the premier full-text web ressource for Official United Nations
documentation at documents.un.org. An ODS Training Guide is posted at
www.un.org/dhl/resguide/train.htm
For further information, please contact:
Dag Hammarskjöld Library
Room L-201
United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212-963-7412
fax 212-963-1779
Email: unreference@un.org
Internet: www.un.org/Depts/dhl/index.html
20. Mailing list (for free materials)
The Public Inquiries Unit does not maintain a mailing list for
press releases or other materials available for free distribution. Information
on all aspects of the United Nations may be obtained by calling or writing to the
Public Inquiries Unit or by checking the UN website.
Should you wish to be placed on a mailing list in order to receive
regular announcements of United Nations sales publications, please contact
United Nations Publications, Room DC2-853, United Nations, New York, NY 10017,
tel. (212) 963-8302, toll-free (1-800) 253-9646. Also available at www.un.org/Pubs.
The Publications Section also provides a Standing Order Service,
which is the surest way to receive, on a continuing basis, recurrent
publications, yearbooks and/or reports and studies in any particular category
without the necessity of reordering each specific issue.
21. Medals (for peacekeeping service)
The United Nations Secretary-General has established a United Nations medal for award to military personnel who are or have been in the service of the United Nations. All awards of the medal are subject to the approval of the national governments of the countries from which the soldiers come. Current or former peacekeepers who believe they are entitled to a UN medal should contact the national authorities concerned. For more information, please check the internet at www.un.org/Depts/dpko/medals.
22. Member States
The United Nations provides no information on individual Member
States. Therefore, material on topics such as political, economic and social
systems and/or opinions of Member States on selected topics may be obtained
from an information service or embassy of the country concerned. A
list of Permanent missions to the United Nations
and a Directory of the United Nations' Member States of may be obtained from the Public Inquiries Unit. For email and home
page addresses, please check at www.un.int.
Verbatim texts of speeches made at the United Nations, first issued
in provisional form, are ordinarily not available for general distribution.
Requests for recent texts of speeches should be addressed to the appropriate
Permanent Mission to the United Nations. These speeches are eventually
published in the Official Records of the General Assembly and are made
available for sale from UN Publications. They may also be consulted at United
Nations depository libraries, a list of which is available from the Public
Inquiries Unit and on the Internet at: www.un.org/Depts/dhl/deplib/index.html
23. Model
UN
The Model UN is a
simulation of the United Nations system. In this simulation, students assume
the role of diplomats, representing various nations. Any school may set up its
own Model UN programme. No permission is required. In the US, the United
Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) coordinates a nationwide student
programme. Several thousand students from the sixth grade through graduate
school take part in the model UN conferences each year. For information on the
UNA-USA Model UN programme, please contact: Education Coordinator, UNA-USA, 801
Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; Tel. 212-907-1300; fax 212-682-9185; Email:
unahq@unusa.org ;Model UN email:
modelun@unusa.org ;Internet:www.unausa.org
24. NGOs
(Non-governmental organizations)
Non-governmental organizations, with consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council and affiliated with the Department of Public
Information, work closely with the United Nations in support of its aims and
objectives. For information on consultative status with ECOSOC, NGOs should
contact:
Non-Governmental Organizations Section
Division for ECOSOC Support and Coordination
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Room DC1-1480
United Nations, NY 10017
Tel. 212-963-8652
Fax: 212-963-9248
E-mail: desangosection@un.org
Internet: www.un.org/esa/coordination/ngo
For information on DPI/NGO activities, please contact:
NGO Section
Department of Public Information
Room S-1070L
United Nations, NY 10017
Tel. 212-963-6842/7234
Fax 212-963-6914/2819
E-mail: dpingo@un.org
Internet: www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/index.html
25. Observances
A list of United Nations Conferences and Observances as well as
information material on specific observances (i.e. United Nations Day and Human
Rights Day) is available upon request from the Public Inquiries Unit.
Internet:
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/Reference_Paper_No_45.doc.htm
26. Pen Pals
The United Nations does not administer a pen pal programme. If you
wish to correspond with nationals of different countries, names and addresses
of correspondents abroad may be obtained from the International Federation of
Organizations for School Correspondence and Exchanges (FIOCES) at 29, rue
d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France. In the US, the following organization coordinates
a peace pal programme, matching classrooms in different countries:
Peace Pals
c/o WPPS
P.R.1 Box 118
Wassaic, NY 12592
USA
27. Photographs
The UN Photo Library has a collection of approximately 200,000
photographs dating back to 1945 and chronicling the history of the organization
and its work. UN photographs are reproducible for editorial purposes only, and
may not be used in advertising. There is a charge of $7.00 per black and white
print(8" 10"), and $15.00 per colour print ordered from the UN Photo
Library. Their website also
maintains a large selection of UN photos. There is a $50.00 charge, payable to
the United Nations, for each UN photo used in publication, whether it is
obtained from the Photo Library or downloaded from the UN Photo website.
For requests and inquiries, please contact: UN Photo Library, Room
S-805L, United Nations, New York, NY 10017; tel. 212-963-6927; fax
212-963-1658; email: photolibr@un.org
28. Publications
The United Nations publishes a large number of books, statistical
reports, UN resolutions and other publications. To consult a catalogue, or
place an order, please contact the United Nations Publications, 2 UN Plaza,
DC2-853, United Nations, New York, NY 10017; Tel. 1-800-253-9646; 212-963-8302;
fax 212-963-3489; email: publications@un.org; Internet: www.un.org/publications
29. Radio
The United Nations News Audio Information System (UNNAIS) is an innovation in the dissemination of audio information. This system consolidates the latest news about the United Nations and reports from far-flung UN peace-keeping operations at one location. The contents of UNNAIS are available to anyone by telephone, round the clock, free of charge. The only cost is the phone call. Any item may be used for rebroadcast without further notice or clearance. UNNAIS requests only attribution.
To access UNNAIS, call (212) 963-3777 (available in English, French
and Spanish). The only requirement is a telephone with touch-tone capability. A
menu system will guide the listener to the desired location.
UN Radio in Arabic, Chinese, English, French,
Russian,
Spanish,
and Portuguese
is now available in audio via the Internet.
For inquiries, please call at 212-963-2361; or send e-mail to unnews@un.org
30. Scholarships
The United Nations offers no general scholarship or student
exchange programme. However, the UNESCO publication
indicated below contains information on study, travel and work
in Member countries.
Study Abroad: The UNESCO international guide for
planing graduate and post-graduate studies abroad provides useful information
on scholarship and financial assistance, university-level courses, entry-level
upgrading and short term courses, training programmes, extramural and other continuing
education programmes, professional training in the United Nations system and other
intergovernmental organizations, as well as student employment possibilities. It contains
over 3,000 entries courses offered in various countries. To place an order for Study Abroad, ISBN 92 3 003606-4, please contact Bernan-UNIPUB, Tel. (800) 274-4888.
This publication is available for consultation in many public
libraries
31. School (United Nations International)
The United Nations International School (UNIS) is an independent
private school, not affiliated with the United Nations. General information on
the activities of the School, including admission, courses of study, teaching
opportunities at the School, etc., is available on request from:
The Director
United Nations International School
24-50 Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive
New York, NY 10010
Tel. (212) 684-7400
Fax : (212) 684- 0312
Email:unis@un.org
Internet: www.unis.org
32. Sound
Recordings
Sound
recordings of unrestricted United Nations material are available at cost to the
general public. For information and current prices, please write to: Sound
Recording Unit, Room GA-13C, United Nations, New York, NY 10017, tel. (212)
963-7658.
33. Stamps
The United
Nations is the only organization in the world which is neither a country nor
a government that is permitted to issue postage stamps. In arrangements with
postal authorities in the US, Switzerland and Austria, United Nations Postal
Administration issues stamps in three different denominations, namely US
dollars, Swiss francs and Austrian schillings. While UN stamps are popular
collectors items, they can used for posting only from a UN post office
located at UN offices in New York, Geneva and Vienna.
For more information, check at UNPA's website at www.un.org/Depts/UNPA; or call 212-963-7684, toll-free 1(800)234-UNPA (8672). E-mail : unpa@un.org
The Public Inquiries Unit provides, free of charge, general United
Nations information kits for teachers and students of primary, intermediate and
secondary levels. These kits are designed to provide teachers and students with
background information on the functions of the United Nations, as well as
information on where to obtain more detailed information on the work of the
Organization.
Curricular material is also available on the Internet. CyberSchoolBus, a
United Nations online service, offers a wealth of information activities and
teaching resources designed to engage as well as inform students and teachers
alike. You can access the CyberSchoolBus at http:
//www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/index.html
The United Nations translates only its own official documents and
communications. Commercial sources for such services are listed in local
telephone directories.
36. Treaties (International Conventions)
For information on the current status of Multilateral Treaties
Deposited with the Secretary-General, you may check the UN website at untreaty.un.org;e-mail:treaty@un.org , or telephone
the UN Sales Section at (212) 963- 8302, or fax (212) 963- 3489
37. Passports, Visas and other Travel Documents
The United Nations is an organization of sovereign States and not a
world government. It therefore does not confer international citizenship
status, nor does it have information on this question.
The issuance of passports, other travel documents and visas to
private individuals is exclusively a function of national authorities. The
United Nations cannot be of assistance with such requests. They should be
addressed to the appropriate Government.
The United Nations issues laissez-passer to its staff to be
used for official travel only. The United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) issues travel documents to refugees in cases of emergency;
however, the travel papers for refugees are generally issued by the national
authorities. If you wish to obtain more information on UNHCR, you may write to:
UNHCR
Case Postale 2500
CH- 1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland
Tel. 41-22-739-8502
Fax: 41-22-739-7315;
Internet: www.unhcr.org
and/or
UNHCR Liaison Office
Room DC 1-2610
New York, NY 10017
Tel. (212) 963-0032
Fax: (212) 963-0074
Produced by the Public Inquiries Unit, Department of Public
Information, United Nations, New York, NY 10017, tel. (212) 963-4475, fax. (212) 963-0071,
Email : inquiries@un.org ,internet:www.un.org/geninfo/faq.
Prepared for Internet by the Information Technology Section, DPI.