THE UNITED NATIONS WOMEN’S GUILD (UNWG) BAZAAR

The United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) Bazaar,
originated in 1978, has now become one of the
highlights of the year for the international
community in Geneva to demonstrate solidarity
and friendship irrespective of nationalities,
languages and religions. It is also a major cultural
event in the UN which many staff members look
forward to each year .

VARAPORN PHUANGKETKEOW,
CHAIRWOMAN, 2008 UNWG BAZAAR COMMITTEE

This year, sixty-five permanent missions participated in national stalls and forty-nine in restaurant stalls. In addition, the UNWG had its own eighteen different stalls. While the event provides a unique opportunity to all participating missions to promote their countries, national products, handicrafts and delicacies, its main objective is to raise funds for underprivileged children in different parts of the world. Last year, we were able to raise nearly 327,000 fr. and the amount went to fund sixtyone projects in fourty-three countries.
When I was first approached to take up the Chairmanship of the Bazaar, I had some reservations and hesitation, knowing that it would entail a lot of responsibilities. But now looking back over the past eight months since I assumed this role, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. Organizing such an international bazaar surely involves a lot of preparations and hard work, but I have been privileged to have received cooperation of so many people. Most of all, by coming together for a good cause, we have been able to build bridges of friendship across national boundaries.
During these past eight months, many of our Committee members had sleepless nights and everyone sacrificed their time and efforts. It will be impossible for me to cite each and everyone because it was truly a team effort. Certainly, it was not all easy-going and we had our difficult moments, but the end result really made it a worthwhile experience. Nevertheless, whatever success we achieved would not have been possible without the kind understanding and support of H.E. Director-General Sergei Ordzhonikidze, and his wife, Mrs. Elena Ordzhonikidze, as well as the concerned staff of the UN. I therefore wish to take this opportunity to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to them all.
I am particularly pleased to learn that the first prize of the lottery ticket, Renault Clio, went to a UN employee for the second year. By happy coincidence, the person who won has been driving a Renault for many years and was about to purchase a new model to replace his present car! So I hope that this will encourage other UN staff to be more supportive of our lottery tickets next year as you stand a good chance to be a lucky one too.