UNWG INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR
In keeping with its goal of empowering women and extending a hand to disadvantaged children, every year the UNWG-Geneva, in collaboration with the Permanent Missions accredited to the United Nations, the city of Geneva and Cantonal Authorities as well as the business community, organises the UNWG International Bazaar (Bazaar) to raise funds for women and children in need around the world. Over the years, the Bazaar has become an important event for the local and international community. It attracts a huge numbers of visitors, raising an impressive amount of funds, ultimately distributed for disadvantaged women and children.
For one day, participating countries gather in the historic Palais des Nations to raise funds which they in turn donate to the UNWG-Geneva. During the day the Missions sell souvenirs and traditional food; visitors are taken on a voyage through continents on which they discover faraway lands, the ancient cultures of Asia and South America, the bazaars of Middle East, the souks of Africa, the markets of Europe and the diversity of America. In addition to national stands, a lottery is organised with over 100 fabulous prizes. Various Permanent Missions organise side events where the countries showcase their musical traditions, culture and arts. The Bazaar is also an opportunity to display UNWG-Geneva’s own productions. Moreover, the UNWG stands are meeting points for all members and offer a good opportunity to learn more about the UNWG and the wonderful work it does, with the help and support of its amazing volunteers.
INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR 2024
UNWG Calendar 2025
We are pleased to announce that the UNWG 2025 calendar, created with contributions from Guild artists, is now available. All proceeds from the calendar will support educational projects for children.
BEHIND THE SCENES: INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR 2024
INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR 2023
BEHIND THE SCENES: INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR 2023
UNWG-Geneva INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR 2022
UNWG-Geneva INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR 2021
SPONSORS AND DONORS
The primary mission of the UNWG is to raise funds to improve the lives of children and women worldwide. International partnerships are essential in supporting this mission, as they are united with us in the goal of enhancing the well-being of these vulnerable groups through financial assistance.
As we prepare for our major annual event, the 2024 International Bazaar, themed “Peace for Children,” we want to express our deepest appreciation to our esteemed partners, who have been instrumental in the event’s preparation. This theme emphasizes the urgent need to create a peaceful environment for the younger generation, reflecting our shared commitment to building a brighter future for children.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Permanent Missions, UNOG administration, and UNWG members, whose resources and expertise have greatly contributed to the success of this event. We are also sincerely grateful for the steadfast support of our Honorary Presidents: Madame Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, and Ambassador Jürg Lauber, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations in Geneva.
A special acknowledgment goes to our Bazaar Chairperson, Ambassador Omar Zniber, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations in Geneva, for his exceptional leadership and generosity, which deserve our utmost gratitude.
Further appreciation is extended to the Canton and City of Geneva for their generous support, especially for providing essential equipment for the event.
Your collective dedication strengthens our collaborative efforts, and we are immensely grateful for your unwavering commitment. We look forward to the event with great anticipation, knowing that it is made possible through the dedicated assistance of our valued partners.
Finally, the UNWG extends its profound appreciation to all private sector donors and countless others who have generously contributed and sponsored numerous exciting lottery prizes, making this bazaar a truly memorable occasion. Special thanks go to the Permanent Missions, Hotels and Hospitality Partners, Jewelry and Luxury Brands, Corporate Partners, Airlines, and all the companies that provided us with such wonderful prizes.
We thank you all for your precious and invaluable support.
CHILDREN'S WALK
The UNWG-Geneva started the Children’s Walk initiative in 2002 and through the years it has proven to be a popular and successful event. With the support of the dedicated staff from various international schools in Geneva and members of the UNWG-Geneva, children have participated in this fun event, which traditionally has been held in autumn on the grounds of the Palais des Nations. The children fundraise by walking in circles outside the Palais des Nations and collect stamps for all the circles they made and in return parents donate money to children for their extra efforts. Funds raised from the Children’s Walk are used to finance UNWG scholarship programme. Through this programme the UNWG-Geneva finances secondary education for selected number of students, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend the school.
In addition to fundraising, the Children’s Walk also helps to instill in the children of Geneva a sense of understanding that there are children like them who do not have the same advantages that they have, to instill a sense of sharing and a sense of giving. Most of all the event is a lesson in humanity and social justice. In addition, the children learn more about the UNOG and what it does.
The UNWG-Geneva wishes to thank all the schools, the children, the teachers and the parents of the children in participating in this event every year. The UNWG-Geneva would also like to thank the UNOG, particularly the Security, the Technical Services and other administrative services for their extraordinary help they showed us through the years. The event each year would also not be possible without the continuous support of UNWG members, who continue to give their time freely and happily to this worthy cause.
CHILDREN'S WALK 2024
16th of May: The Palais des Nations came alive with the laughter and excitement of over 400 children from international schools in and around Geneva who participated in the traditional UNWG Children’s Walk Ceremony. This truly special event celebrated the incredible efforts of our young “Superheroes with invisible capes” who raised funds to support children in need, providing them with the opportunity to go to school. Our esteemed guest of honour was Madame Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva and Honorary President of UNWG.
In addition to supporting education, this year’s edition of Children’s Walk emphasized the importance of children walking for their health and well-being, and for a clean environment, while aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this regard the children have been discussing SDGs at school and presented at the ceremony their pledges and commitments towards SDGs and a cleaner environment.
It was an inspiring and memorable day for everyone involved, including the children, their teachers, and the dedicated UNWG volunteers. Thank you to all who participated and supported this wonderful cause! Together, we are making a difference and building a brighter future for all children.
CHILDREN'S WALK 2023
CHILDREN'S WALK 2022
KIOSK
The Kiosk of the UNWG-Geneva operates throughout the year. It is located on the grounds of the UNOG and accessible to visitors. Operated by members of the Guild, the Kiosk sells crafts and gifts from around the world, donated by members. It also offers various UNWG promotional materials (greeting cards, pens, pins, etc.). All the proceeds from Kiosk sales go towards the UNWG-Geneva scholarships program.
DONATION DRIVE INITIATIVES
The UNWG-Geneva organises different donation drive initiatives throughout the year to help children and women in need but also to promote the culture of giving among our members to those less fortunate ones. The activities vary from organising art expositions, funds collection through donation drive, to sales of greeting cards, cookbooks, etc. All the proceeds from different fundraising activities of the UNWG-Geneva go towards projects and/or scholarships.