NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 2 – The United Nations (UN) Department of Global Communications celebrates today the 70th Anniversary of its Guided Tours operation, the same day that the doors of the UN Headquarters in New York City were opened to the public in 1952.
To mark the occasion, an exhibit on the history and the role of the tour guides as “Ambassadors to the Public” is on view in the UN Visitors Lobby, available also in digital format. The UN Postal Administration has issued a special commemorative stamp sheet for purchase at the stamp shop.
For seven decades, visitors from around the world have toured UN Headquarters, giving them the opportunity to see, hear, and feel diplomacy in action. Escorted by guides well-versed in international affairs, visitors walk through corridors buzzing with diplomats and international civil servants, learn about pressing geopolitical issues, and, while seated in the General Assembly Hall, reflect on our world’s need for international cooperation.
“Our multilingual tour guides have been the face and voice of the United Nations to over 42 million visitors from around the world,” said UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. “We celebrate their 70th anniversary and honour their vital ongoing mission to enhance understanding of the essential work of the United Nations.”
The one-hour Guided Tour is conducted in 13 languages by a team of tour guides from 17 countries, including Italy. As per tradition, the tour guides have been clothed by leading designers, from Edith Head, Christian Dior and Benetton in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, to Elie Tahari from 2017 to the present. (@OnuItalia)