Mrs. Yvonne Ismail-Urfer, is the first Swiss President of the UNWG, thus taking her into the Galleries of «The First Swiss Woman» in the Collection of Musée de l’histoire at Assens in the canton of Vaud. The UNWG started 35 years ago with a membership of about 30. Presently the UNWG has about 550 members from 120 Nations.
Is the membership of the UNWG limited to UN spouses only?
Membership priority is indeed given to members of the UN and other international organizations. However, 10% of our membership are «associate members», meaning they have been recommended by Guild members and are able to offer their skills and time to UNWG activities. All UNWG members work strictly on a voluntary base including our bookkeepers/treasurers. Our books are completely transparent and open to all interested parties
How does one become an ‘associate member’?
One way of connecting to the Guild is by
attending our monthly coffee morning, every
first Tuesday of the month from 9:30 to 11:00
at the ILO. At the coffee morning information
is given about the UNWG activities such as
language courses, arts and craft, health
courses, sport as well as computer courses
and other current events. This is also an
opportunity to meet other members whilst
enjoying some special food sponsored by
members from different missions. Apart from
offering activities and courses, the Guild’s
biggest event is the Annual Bazaar in
the Palais des Nations.
At the 2004 bazaar, UN representative said,
that ‘this event is the day of hope and a ray of
light for the UN in the midst of the struggles
and problems it is faced with.’
Aside from the bazaar, what other events does the UNWG organize?
We organize a variety of fundraising events
each year from cultural events to the (sponsored)
Children’s Walk on the grounds of the
UN. We are also planning another fundraising
project involving children and young people
entering their own ‘musical’ compositions
and songs, the best of which will be cut onto
a CD and sold by the UNWG. In addition we
have an Annual Luncheon and invite a guest
speaker, who supports a children’s project.
What exactly happens to the funds generated by the UNWG?
All the money raised through fundraising
events is used to support children and young
people in need or at risk all around the world.
These projects are proposed by our members
and are directly supervised by them. We are
trying very hard not to pour money into a bottomless
hole. This is one of the reasons why
we carefully considered whether we should
sponsor and/or assist victims of the Tsunami
disaster. I personally saw and met the people
involved in working with children and youth
projects in the Tsunami affected areas in
Thailand. After much consideration, the
UNWG decided to get involved and I am
happy to report that we have recently
received the news that two schools in some
of the small and forgotten villages are operating
again, thanks to the help of our Guild.
Should non-members be interested in our
projects, we can be contacted at the Villa
office from 9:30 to 12:00pm daily. We also
regularly display Guild project information at
UNWG Art Exhibitions in WIPO and the UN
as well as at our Kiosk, which is next to the
UN Library.
We have some very committed members and
friends of the UNWG who help us move
towards our goal of having a good and constructive
time together here in Geneva. The
UNWG is well organized thanks to the expertise
and dedication of our members who offer
their time, skills and knowledge.
