How the UN operates at Country-Level – A Practical Guide
For many – whether working with the United Nations, within it, or observing from the outside – the UN can feel vast and difficult to navigate. While often viewed as a single organization, it is, in fact, a complex system of specialized agencies, funds, and programmes, each with its own mandate, governance structure, and funding model. The newly published handbook "The UN at Country Level" offers a clear, practical guide to how the UN operates on the ground – providing valuable insights for anyone engaging with or seeking to better understand UN Operational System.
The UN stands as the only universal platform where countries join together to confront and find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. With 193 Member States, it is the sole organization that includes nearly every country in the world as a member or observer. In the founding document of the UN – the UN Charter – Member States articulate their desire to maintain peace and security, promote social progress and uphold human rights.
While much of the attention often centers on high-level diplomacy at UN Headquarters, the organization’s impact extends far beyond the political stage. Beyond the spotlight, the UN plays a vital role in supporting countries through development and humanitarian work. This work, though widely valued, is 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, even to seasoned diplomats, government officials, aid workers, and journalists.
Recognizing this gap, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has worked over the years to make the UN system more accessible to both partners and newcomers. Two earlier handbooks provide foundational insights into key parts of the UN: the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – critical organs shaping global policy and development agendas.
The latest handbook – The UN at Country Level: A Practical Guide to the United Nations Operational System – explains how the UN works in practice. It breaks down complex structures and processes in a clear and accessible way, helping readers understand how the UN is funded, how agencies coordinate, and what challenges they face.
Whether you're a diplomat, development practitioner, journalist, or simply curious about how the UN works, this guide offers a straightforward and practical entry point into the day-to-day workings of the UN operational system.
Documents
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern