United Nations Information Centres

What we do

Introduction

The United Nations Information Centres (UNICs), Services (UNIS) and Offices (UNOs), located in 63 countries worldwide, link the United Nations with people around the world, disseminating global UN messages to local audiences. The Centres serve as a reliable source of up-to-date information about the UN, delivering information in their respective countries to a wide range of people, including journalists, government officials, civil society representatives, students, educators and researchers.


Communications Strategy

UNICs develop and implement a coordinated communications strategy for the country/countries they serve, in consultation with the UN Country Team and local UN partners, to publicize priority issues and major observances and events. UNICs adapt global UN messages to the local context through a variety of information products aimed at different regional/sub-regional and national audiences in the language(s) spoken in the area.


Media outreach

UNICs maintain contacts with national and regional media in the country/countries where they operate, disseminate background information and press materials to the media, place op-eds and feature articles, arrange interviews and organize press conferences and briefings.


Information Products

UNICs offer products and services such as newsletters, libraries, videos, web sites and internet facilities. At the national/local level, UNICs work with media by providing information and training for journalists and contributing regularly to television and radio programmes and articles in newspapers. The centres often work with civil society in promoting a variety of issues through seminars, exhibits and other activities.


Observances and Anniversaries

UNICs also participate in observances of international days, years and decades. Commemorations take many forms and may include presentations involving national or local dignitaries, workshops, seminars, educational programmes, sporting events, and musical performances.