The United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) Vienna is a charitable organization founded in 1967. The purpose of the Guild is to assist children in need and/or mother–childcare programs throughout the world. The UNWG also serves as a Circle of Friendship, offering support and resources for its members. Membership in the UNWG is open to any woman who is a staff member or the spouse/partner of a staff member of the United Nations Organizations or Permanent Missions to these organizations in Vienna. The approximately 400 members come from around 100 countries. Language should never be a barrier to join as there is always someone among the members who speaks your language. Our members enjoy a diverse of set social, cultural, and educational programs. We all volunteer, without pay, for charitable activities and enjoy the spirit of cooperation among a diverse group of women.
The UNWG collaborates with other UN organizations and international NGOs on the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. For example, UNWG provides funding to the IAEA for children's cancer programs in developing countries. UNWG also assists UNICEF's program for education, health, and shelter, promoting the rights of children and women. In support of a Sustainable Environment, the UNWG actively pursues a 3R (reduce, reuse, and recycle) approach concerning the materials and wastes in our office and at home. We also partner with Austrian and international businesses for cultural exchange with institutions and individuals abroad. In addition, International Missions to the VIC often sponsor cultural performances presenting their home countries.
For example, the UNWG contributed to a UNICEF project with Friends International in Cambodia. Funds were provided for functional, educational, and recreational improvements to their Transitional Home in Siem Reap. Items provided included kitchen materials, library books, sports equipment, bathroom renovation and garden tools.
Each year the UNWG financially supports many children’s charities in Austria and in the developing world. This project-based program is organized for the sole purpose of benefitting children in need.
Membership in the UNWG is open to any woman who is a staff member or the spouse/partner of a staff member of the United Nations Organizations or Permanent Missions to these organizations in Vienna. Through activities such as language classes, walk-run, crafts, book discussions and poetry reading, we learn about each other's culture and explore many facets of living in Vienna and in Austria.
For over 50 years, the UNWG has organized a day-long annual International Festival Bazaar for the public with free admission. In this time, more than €6 million has been raised for children's charities around the world.
The Kiosk has been operating for more than 25 years since it was started by the UNWG Vienna. The Kiosk is the daily fundraiser of the UNWG; A unique feature in the UNWG profile. Operated by member volunteers, the Kiosk sells gift items from around the world, sustainable products, and their own handmade jewelry. The proceeds of this operation contribute a significant amount to the UNWG's charity funds.
