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 200 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.
The organisation of the Bazaar would not be possible without the generosity and support of our donors and partners. Primarily, the UNWG-Geneva would like to extend its sincere gratitude to participating Permanent Missions and the UNOG, with all its technical services, as well as the WTO for the printing of the Bazaar brochures and WIPO for hosting events for our Bazaar sponsors. Moreover, special appreciation goes the Canton of Geneva and the city of Geneva for their generous help and support, especially for providing the necessary equipment for the event and for the administrative organisation of the Lottery.
Furthermore, the UNWG thanks all the donors and sponsors for providing attractive items for the Lottery; primarily Honda Automobiles Geneva, the supplier of the first prize, the Permanent Missions, national airline companies (Royal Air Maroc, Tunis Air, Egypt Air, Oman Air), UNFCU, UBS, exclusive hotels as well as all companies that provide us with fabulous prizes. A special thanks goes to the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to UNOG which has generously and consistently helped in securing amazing prizes for our Bazaar. Such international partnerships are vital for UNWG’s charitable work.
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.
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.
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.