The UN Dag Hammarskjöld Library is currently hosting the exhibition “The Journal of the United Nations: From Archives to Digital Legacy” celebrating the publication’s 80th anniversary. The display illustrates the Journal’s development from a printed daily record of UN meetings to a modern multilingual digital platform serving Member States, delegates, staff and the global public.
Visitors can explore rare archival editions of the Journal, including early issues from 1946 covering the first sessions of the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, as well as special editions documenting key institutional moments such as the appointments of the early Secretaries-General.
The exhibition highlights key developments in both the Journal’s evolution and the Organization’s history, including the introduction of multilingual editions that reflect the UN’s growing commitment to linguistic inclusivity.
All archival materials showcased are drawn from the Library’s historical Journal holdings. The exhibit blends print displays with digital screens, offering not only historical context but also testimonials from more than 100 staff members who have worked closely with the Journal over the decades. Their reflections underscore its ongoing importance in the daily functioning of the UN.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Cherith Norman Chalet, Assistant Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, and Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division in the Department of Global Communications, who spoke on the Library’s critical role in preserving the Journal archives.
During the event, Movses Abelian, Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, and AnneMarie van den Berg, Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management, officially unveiled a commemorative stamp honouring the anniversary.
As part of the Department of Global Communications, the Library is proud to host this exhibition with the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding the UN’s documentary heritage, ensuring it remains accessible and preserved for future generations.
The exhibition is on view in the Library’s Second Floor Reading Room through 1 April 2026.
