In the historic setting of the Palais des Nations, the United Nations Office at Geneva serves as the representative office of the Secretary-General at Geneva. A focal point for multilateral diplomacy, UN Geneva services more than 8,000 meetings per year, making it one of the busiest conference centres in the world. It is also the biggest duty station outside the United Nations headquarters in New York. 

Through its daily activities, UN Geneva significantly contributes to the global United Nations’ efforts to maintain international peace and security, advance disarmament, protect and promote human rights, eradicate poverty, implement the Sustainable Development Goals, and provide fast, effective humanitarian relief in emergencies. 

Every year, UN Geneva welcomes many dignitaries and high-level delegations as they participate in bilateral exchanges, intergovernmental meetings, conferences, and other important events dedicated to sharing and exchanging information. To effectively represent the Secretary-General, UN Geneva performs important liaison duties. It coordinates with permanent missions, the Swiss Host Government and other national Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, research and academic institutions, as well as regional organizations and other organizations of the United Nations common system based in Geneva. UN Geneva also plays a crucial role in facilitating inter-agency cooperation between these various actors.

UN Geneva provides administrative and operational support to more than 40 UN system entities in Europe and their field offices around the world. It manages the United Nations facilities in Geneva and provides conference services for the United Nations system meetings held at Geneva and at other locations. UN Geneva also provides a platform for cultural exchange through the various cultural activities it organizes year-round. 
 
UN Geneva is headed by a Director-General at the level of Under-Secretary-General who is accountable to the Secretary-General.