The United Nations Information Centres (UNIC) were established in 1946, headquartered in New York, United States.[2][3] Spread across 63 countries worldwide.[4] The centres operated in 63 countries until their restructuring in 2018, when the UN consolidated their communications functions under the Department of Global Communications.[5] The department supervised and approved development initiatives, with a primary focus on thematic campaigns on United Nations-related issues that were distributed through regional information centres.[6]
Established in 1946, the United Nations Information Centres were placed under the oversight of the Department of Department of Public Information, which was renamed into Department of Global Communications in 2018.[7] The department coordinated the centers' operations and approved their communications initiatives and regional programs.
The inaugural establishment of UNICs in 1946 marked the genesis of a network designed to bridge communication gaps on a global scale. Beginning with two centers, the network grew to 63 centers.[when?] The expansion reflected the UN's increasing emphasis on direct public communication. UNICs distribute information about the United Nations System in their regions.
Headquartered in New York, the UNICs distributed UN communications to regional audiences.[8][9]
The Department of Global Communications, led by Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, oversees UNIC operations.[10]
The United Nations Information Centres (UNICs), the field offices of the Department of Global Communications, are the principal sources of information about the United Nations system in the countries where they are located. UNICs are responsible for promoting greater public understanding of and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations. UNICs deliver information about the United Nations in their respective countries, in local languages, to a wide range of people, including journalists, government officials, civil society representatives, students, educators and researchers.
Scope
United Nations Information Centres operate in the following regions: Europe, the Americas, the UAE, Asia & the Pacific, and Africa. The centers distribute UN materials in local languages. To ensure accessibility and comprehensibility, all information is meticulously translated and presented in the regional languages of their respective areas.
These centers maintain communication between the UN and local populations and governments in their respective countries. Their mandate extends to engaging with media outlets, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to facilitate coordination within the UN system. Additionally, UNICs forge partnerships with governmental, non-governmental, and private sector organizations to advance shared objectives and initiatives.
These centers maintain communication between the UN and local populations and governments in their respective countries.[11][12]
Activities
UNICs are involved in various core activities aimed at disseminating the latest information about the UN system.[13]
Communication - UNICs implement communication strategies utilizing current affairs, traditional festivals, and events. They ensure information is translated into the regional languages of the countries they serve.
Media Outreach - UNICs establish connections with national and regional media outlets to distribute information. These centers utilize press conferences, print media, electronic, and digital mediums to disseminate information collaboratively.
Information Resource Development - These centers develop and maintain resources such as libraries and websites through regional information centers. Training sessions provide journalists with information about UN development programs and initiatives. They regularly conduct television and radio broadcasts featuring UN stories in regional languages.
Events Organization - UNICs organize numerous events on international and national celebration days. Additionally, they coordinate seminars, sports, and other competitions in educational institutions.
List of centres
The following are all of the current information centres, as well as all the areas they serve:[14]
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