FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of some of the most common questions we have been receiving and which will certainly be ready to expand:
Q: I am a student; can the UN provide financial assistance?
A: No, the UN offers no general scholarship or student exchange programme. However, UNESCO's "Study Abroad" contains information on study, travel and work in Member countries. This publication contains 2,950 entries concerning higher education and training opportunities in all disciplines in 124 countries. It includes information on scholarships, financial assistance, university-level courses, short-term courses, training programmes, student employment possibilities and facilities for handicapped. This publication is available for consultation in many public libraries, or may be ordered from:
UNESCO Publishing, Promotion and Sales Division
1, rue Miollis, F-75732
Paris Cedex 15 - FRANCE
Fax: 33 01 45 68 57 41
Learn more
Additional information on educational opportunities at the UN is listed on its website at www.unsystem.org.
Q: What is the United Nations School?
A: The United Nations International School (UNIS) is an independent private school under the auspices of the United Nations. For general information on the activities of the school, including admission, courses of study, teaching opportunities, etc., contact:
The Director
United Nations International School
24-50 Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive
New York, NY 10010
Tel: 212-684-7400
E-mail: admissions@unis.org
Internet: www.unis.org
Q: Does the UN have a Hymn or National anthem?
A: No, there is no official anthem or hymn for the Organization, even though many songs have been written about the United Nations or on related themes. One such song, or hymn, was written and performed at the United Nations on 24 October 1971, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the United Nations, by Maestro Pablo Casals of Spain. The words were written by poet W.H. Auden of the United Kingdom.
Q: Does the UN issue drivers licenses or international passports?
A: No, the United Nations, nor any of its subsidiary bodies, issues or authorizes the issuance of International Driver's License for the public using the United Nations emblem or name. Neither does the United Nations issue any passports or travel documents for the public.
Q: Is there any business opportunity with the United Nations?
A: Yes, the Procurement Division of the United Nations Secretariat coordinates procurement for the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the UN peacekeeping missions, regular programme activities of the Regional Economic Commissions and, from time to time, other organizations in the UN system. If you are interested in doing business with the UN, contact:
Procurement Division
United Nations Secretariat
New York, NY 10017
Tel: 212-963-1468
Fax: 212-963-3503
E-mail: register@un.org
Q: Can I donate money to the United Nations?
A: Yes, the United Nations accepts voluntary financial contributions provided that the purposes are consistent with the policies, aims and activities of the Organization. People who wish to make contributions to the United Nations can make cheques or money orders payable to the United Nations, if less than US$ 100 should be drawn on the US branch of any bank. Contributions can be sent to:
The Treasurer
Room S-2770A
United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Q: Is there a United Nations Medal?
A: Yes, the Secretary-General has established a United Nations medal awarding military personnel who are of have been in the Peacekeeping service of the United Nations. All awards of the medal are subject to the approval of governments of the countries the soldiers are enlisted from. Current or former peacekeepers who believe they are entitled to a UN medal should contact their countries’ governments.
Contact us:
Public Inquiries, Visitors Services
Department of Public Information
United Nations Headquarters
Room GA-0305
New York - NY 10017
Tel: 212-963-4475
Fax: 212-963-0071
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UNVisitorsCentre