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UN Geneva unveils sustainable new uniforms for tour guides through partnership with Italy

Press Release

 

Geneva, 29 October 2026 – Today, the UN Office at Geneva, together with the Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte and the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations in Geneva, unveiled a new generation of responsible, traceable and circular uniforms for its guides. The collection was presented at the Palais des Nations, as part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Mission. The event also showcased a multimedia historical-documentary exhibition on the relations between Italy and the United Nations and Italy’s multilateral commitment over the years. 

Every year, thousands of visitors are welcomed at the Palais des Nations to discover its historic buildings, learn about the work of the United Nations, and explore the importance of multilateralism. For many, their first encounter is not with a conference officer or a diplomat, but with a UN Geneva tour guide. 

For the guides who welcome visitors from countries across the world, the uniforms will serve as a reminder of the United Nations' commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and sustainability. Combining Italian creativity and responsible production practices, the uniforms reflect these values that underpin the work of the United Nations.

"Our tour guides are often the first people visitors meet when they arrive at the Palais des Nations," said Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva. "These new uniforms embody the values they represent every day: welcome, dialogue, inclusion, and a commitment to a more sustainable future. We are grateful to the Permanent Mission of Italy, Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte and Slow Fiber for helping bring this vision to life." 

Developed through an innovative collaboration involving Italian designers and manufacturers committed to responsible production, the new uniform initiative highlights how creative partnerships can support sustainability efforts through international cooperation. The project also reflects Italy's longstanding engagement with the United Nations and support for efforts advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

The uniforms were inspired by the principles of social responsibility championed by artist Michelangelo Pistoletto and his concept of the "Third Paradise”, a balance between nature, society and innovation. The collection was developed under the designed by sustainable fashion designer Tiziano Guardini and with the guidance of Cittadellarte Fashion B.E.S.T., and with its network of Italian textile and manufacturing partners committed to responsible production practices. The uniforms are the first product made entirely through the Slow Fiber supply chain, featuring Di. Vè’s 100% wool yarn, woven by Achille Pinto, dyed and finished by Tintoria e Finissaggio 2000, cut and sewn by Pattern, whilst the linings were supplied by Tintoria Stamperia of Lambrugo – all under the coordination of MagnoLab. By bringing together institutions, designers, manufacturers, and sustainability actors, the project demonstrates how partnerships can turn shared values into visible, tangible action. 

"We are honored to bring our practical vision of sustainability to the heart of the United Nations. With this project, we wanted to turn the principles of balance and sustainability of the Third Paradise into tangible action" stated Paolo Naldini, Director of Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte. "These uniforms represent much more than just clothing: they are a concrete manifesto of social responsibility and a visible message of respect for our planet, which the UN Geneva tour guides will carry every day in their dialogue with the world."

UN Geneva and Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte wish to express its sincere appreciation to the following partners for their valuable support and contributions to the design and production of the new uniforms: Slow Fiber, MagnoLab, Filatura Di.Vè S.p.A., Lenzing Group, Pattern S.p.A., Tessitura Achille Pinto S.p.A., Tintoria Finissaggio 2000 S.r.l. and Tintoria Stamperia di Lambrugo S.p.A.

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For more information on the project, please contact: