United Nations Library&Archives Geneva

United Nations Library&Archives Geneva Our services - the UN Library&Archives Geneva and the Cultural Activities Programme at UN Geneva – are open to the public upon registration.

The Library of the United Nations Office at Geneva has been serving the international community as a centre for research and an instrument of international understanding since 1919, then part of the UN predecessor, the League of Nations. Its services include : the United Nations Library&Archives Geneva and the Cultural Activities Programme at UN Geneva – and are open to the public upon registration. The United Nations Library&Archives offers researchers:
- one of the richest collections in Europe in the fields of legal, social and political sciences, as well as on all areas of UN work. It also offers a comprehensive collection of UN documents, and electronic resources.
- over six linear kilometres of archives materials consisting of organizational and personal records that document a variety of areas since 1870: the United Nations Office at Geneva Archives, the League of Nations Archives, the International Peace Movements Archives, Private archives, and other collections.
- through the Cultural Activities Programme, hosted by the Library&Archives, Member States and International Organizations are given the opportunity to present exhibitions, concerts, and performances, films and cultural conferences to the international community and to visitors to the Palais des Nations.

09/09/2026

📚 How do you keep 46 km of library and archives collections safe until they can return to Building B?

Behind every shelf there is a careful process of planning, precision and teamwork.

Discover how the UN Library & Archives Geneva manages one of the largest and most unique collections in Switzerland, with thousands of boxes labeled, barcoded and weighed for safe preservation during the renovation works of the historic building.
Library and archives do more than preserve the past: they make knowledge accessible for future research, innovation and discovery.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories! 🌍📖

📚 We were pleased to welcome Kairat Alimgazinov, Deputy Director of the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kaza...
08/09/2026

📚 We were pleased to welcome Kairat Alimgazinov, Deputy Director of the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Askar Kudaibergenov, Leading Expert, to the UN Library & Archives Geneva on 2 September.

Our Director, Charlotte Lindberg Warakaulle, together with Blandine Blukacz-Louisfert, Chief of the Institutional Memory Section, and Danielle Hughes, Head of the New Archives Building Project, exchanged experiences and perspectives with our guests on archives and institutional memory.

The visit highlighted the importance of professional dialogue and knowledge-sharing between archival institutions, and the shared commitment to preserving and making documentary heritage accessible.

📖 Whether you are a diplomat, researcher or member of the international community exploring multilateralism, our team is here to support your research.

Ask a Librarian or an Archivist ➡️ https://ask.unog.ch

🌎✨ How can we learn more about the rights, knowledge and contributions of Indigenous women and girls around the world?On...
05/09/2026

🌎✨ How can we learn more about the rights, knowledge and contributions of Indigenous women and girls around the world?

On 5 September, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls, we recognize their leadership, knowledge and contributions to communities worldwide.

Explore resources from the UN Library & Archives Geneva through our Research Guides:

🌿 Indigenous Peoples Research Guide ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/55t4hazt

♀️ Women & Gender Equality Research Guide ➡️ https://libraryresources.unog.ch/women

Discover UN documents, publications and resources exploring Indigenous Peoples’ rights, women’s rights and gender equality.

🌍 What resources can help us explore the history, experiences and contributions of people of African descent?On 31 Augus...
31/08/2026

🌍 What resources can help us explore the history, experiences and contributions of people of African descent?

On 31 August, the International Day for People of African Descent is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity, heritage and contributions of people of African descent around the world, while also raising awareness of the challenges they continue to face.

Interested in learning more? The UN Library & Archives Geneva has developed a dedicated Research Guide bringing together key UN resources, documents and information to support research and further exploration.

🔎 Explore the Research Guide: https://tinyurl.com/ykedfmrn

26/08/2026

🏛️A glimpse inside a century of knowledge and diplomacy.

Founded in 1919 for the League of Nations, the Library has witnessed generations of international cooperation.

Today, as the building enters a new chapter through its first major renovation since the 1930s, its unique spaces are being prepared for the future, facilitating knowledge exchange and engagement with Member States, researchers, UN agencies and other stakeholders in a modern setting. 🔎✨

📚 What can archives reveal about the lives of refugees during the Spanish Civil War?Between 1936 and 1939, the Spanish C...
25/08/2026

📚 What can archives reveal about the lives of refugees during the Spanish Civil War?

Between 1936 and 1939, the Spanish Civil War forced thousands of people to leave their homes. Behind this history are stories of evacuation, displacement, humanitarian assistance and international efforts to respond to a growing refugee crisis.

The UN Library & Archives Geneva is pleased to share a new Research Guide on refugees during the Spanish Civil War, prepared by our former intern Zahira Aragüete-Toribio.

Drawing on the archives of the League of Nations, the guide brings together historical documents that shed light on:

📄 the evacuation of civilians and refugee movements within Spain
👧 the experiences and protection of displaced children
🤝 humanitarian relief provided by international organizations and aid groups
🏛️ refugees seeking shelter in foreign embassies
🌍 international responses to the consequences of the conflict

Through correspondence, reports and other archival records, these collections offer a unique perspective on how one of the major refugee crises of the 20th century was documented and addressed by the international community.

🔎 Explore the Research Guide: https://tinyurl.com/4ze3dxfy

♾️ Rebirth: A Powerful Symbol of Balance and HopeWhether viewed from above or from the ground in Ariana Park, Rebirth by...
21/08/2026

♾️ Rebirth: A Powerful Symbol of Balance and Hope

Whether viewed from above or from the ground in Ariana Park, Rebirth by Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto is an extraordinary work of art.

Donated by Italy and Cittadellarte - Fondazione Pistoletto in 2015, this monumental installation is made up of 193 stones arranged to form the artist's iconic Third Paradise symbol. Inspired by the mathematical infinity sign, the symbol adds a central circle that represents the meeting point between nature and technology: a space where a more balanced and sustainable society can emerge.

Located on the grounds of the Palais des Nations, Rebirth reflects values that resonate deeply with the mission of the United Nations: dialogue, cooperation, peace, and sustainable development.

More than a sculpture, it is an invitation to build bridges, embrace diversity, and work together towards a future where innovation and nature coexist in harmony. 🌿🤝🌍

📚 What are researchers exploring in 11 kilometres of UN archives?🔹 Human rights was the most popular research area, with...
20/08/2026

📚 What are researchers exploring in 11 kilometres of UN archives?

🔹 Human rights was the most popular research area, with around one quarter of researchers studying subjects ranging from the history of human rights to state violence, torture and enforced disappearances.

🔹 International trade and development attracted more than one fifth of researchers, with topics including commodities, multinational corporations, technology transfer and the impact of oil shocks.

🔹 Nearly 20% consulted UNECE records, exploring environmental protection, development, transport and road safety.

Researchers also showed growing interest in disarmament and peace, women’s rights, developments in Africa, desertification, humanitarian response and relations with NGOs.

Curious to discover more? Read the UN Archives Geneva Blog post by our ex-colleague Neytcho Iltchev to find out more. 👉https://tinyurl.com/mrx48775

🌍 World Humanitarian Day is also a moment to look back at how humanitarian action has evolved.The UN Archives Geneva pre...
19/08/2026

🌍 World Humanitarian Day is also a moment to look back at how humanitarian action has evolved.

The UN Archives Geneva preserve the records of the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator (UNDRO), covering the period 1971–1991.

Created in Geneva in 1971, UNDRO helped coordinate international disaster relief and supported disaster prevention and preparedness. Its history forms part of the institutional development that eventually led to today’s United Nations OCHA.

📜 The document featured here is a letter from A.N. Shevchenko, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs, to the Under-Secretary-General in charge of UNDRO.

Curious to explore more? 🔎
Discover the UN Geneva archival collections here
https://archives.ungeneva.org/unog-archives

♿ How can research support disability rights and inclusion?The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability - CR...
18/08/2026

♿ How can research support disability rights and inclusion?

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability - CRPD is meeting in Geneva for its 35th session, from 12–27 August 2026, reviewing the implementation of the Convention by several States parties.

As we mark 20 years since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is also an opportunity to explore the knowledge and resources that help advance disability rights and inclusion.

📚 Explore resources from UN Library & Archives Geneva:

🔎 Discover selected resources on disability rights, inclusion, accessibility and related topics ➡️ https://libraryresources.unog.ch/disability

📖 Browse books on disability in our Library catalogue ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/29627wra

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