Switzerland Launches Practical Handbook on the UN’s Operational Work
Curious about how the UN operates at the country level? Switzerland’s newly launched handbook, presented at the Swiss Mission in New York, offers a clear and accessible overview of the UN’s field operations.
Most of the attention usually goes to what happens at UN Headquarters, especially in the political arena. But beyond the spotlight, the UN plays a vital role in supporting countries through development and humanitarian work. This work is widely appreciated, yet often not well understood. The details – how the UN operates in-country, how decisions are made, how programmes are planned and funded – can seem complex and unclear. This can be confusing even for diplomats, government officials, aid workers, and journalists.
To address this, Switzerland has published "The UN at Country Level: A Practical Guide to the United Nations Operational System". The handbook offers a clear, accessible overview of how the UN works in-country—how it is funded, how agencies coordinate, and the challenges they face. Whether you’re a diplomat, development professional, journalist, or simply curious, the guide provides a practical entry point into the UN’s field operations.
The handbook was launched at the Swiss Mission in New York by Ambassador Nicole Ruder, Deputy Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), in the presence of representatives from UN member states, agencies, and the Secretariat.
To learn more or order a copy, visit: www.understandingtheun.org
