In the late 1960s, the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) were among many UN organizations relying on costly electronic data processing equipment. Given the sensitive data in their care, they teamed up to create a shared facility within the UN family—the UN International Computing Centre (UNICC) in Geneva—rather than buy their own equipment separately or procure commercial services. With the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 2741 (XXV) on 17 December 1970, the UNICC was born. The UN General Assembly resolution invited all others in the UN system to join them as partners.
After 50 years, we remain committed to continuous improvement and digital transformation, offering world class technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a system-wide-cross-domain-experience of knowledge. We will continue innovating and digitizing, enabling Clients and Partner Organizations to achieve their mandates through accelerated digital delivery, without forgetting that only a sustainable digital cooperation will enable us to go further, think better, move faster and travel together.
Sameer Chauhan, Director, UNICC
From the beginning, UNICC leadership made a commitment to excellence, embracing change and pursuing innovation, as digital technology started transforming each Agency’s management of information, communications and operations. Every new Partner Organization has brought opportunities to scale shared resources.
To support the global need for digital transformation and cybersecurity, UNICC opened offices in New York City, Rome and Brindisi in Italy, and Valencia, Spain. All have established themselves as Centres of Excellence in delivering digital business solutions. UNICC has had a vibrant and productive 50 years, with much to celebrate as we reflect back and look forward. With 2030 around the corner, UNICC has redoubled its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, reduce the digital divide, optimise business through smart and cost-effective innovation and leave no one behind. Please join us in this celebration.
Keep an eye on this page for celebratory activities and events throughout 2021! 🖐✊
Calendar of Events
#MultilateralismMatters September 2021
UNICC takes part in “Multilateralism in the digital world”, a photo exhibition organised by the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva and the United Nations Office at Geneva. UNICC’s photo highlights how the organization is reimagining digital diplomacy and supporting multilateral processes with innovation and technology.
#MultilateralismMatters September 2021
UNICC takes part in “Multilateralism in the digital world”, a photo exhibition organised by the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva and the United Nations Office at Geneva. UNICC’s photo highlights how the organization is reimagining digital diplomacy and supporting multilateral processes with innovation and technology.
Not a Woman’s Job? Summer 2021
UNICC participates in United Nations Office at Geneva photo exhibition “Not a Woman’s Job?” to recognise and support women all around the world whose profession is traditionally associated with “the man’s world“, such as the technology field. Photo: UNOG
Not a Woman’s Job? Summer 2021
UNICC participates in United Nations Office at Geneva photo exhibition “Not a Woman’s Job?” to recognise and support women all around the world whose profession is traditionally associated with “the man’s world“, such as the technology field. Photo: UNOG
100 Interviews of Talking Tech: Girls and Women in ICT Spring 2021
The Girls and Women Talking Tech intergenerational interview series, an initiative by ITU, UN Youth Envoy, EQUALS Global Parnership and UNICC, reaches 100 conversations.
100 Interviews of Talking Tech: Girls and Women in ICT Spring 2021
The Girls and Women Talking Tech intergenerational interview series, an initiative by ITU, UN Youth Envoy, EQUALS Global Parnership and UNICC, reaches 100 conversations.
UN Support Base in Valencia Turns 10 July 2021
UNICC welcome Secretary-General António Guterres to the UN Support Base in Valencia to take part in the celebration of its tenth birthday. Read more here.
UN Support Base in Valencia Turns 10 July 2021
UNICC welcome Secretary-General António Guterres to the UN Support Base in Valencia to take part in the celebration of its tenth birthday. Read more here.
Roundtable on Trusted Partnerships March 2021
How do partnerships encourage and drive creative solutions? Preeminent panelists discuss the power of partnerships as catalysts for creative digital public solutions. Watch roundtable
Roundtable on Trusted Partnerships March 2021
How do partnerships encourage and drive creative solutions? Preeminent panelists discuss the power of partnerships as catalysts for creative digital public solutions. Watch roundtable
UNICC Global Hackathon: Data for Good 16 – 19 February 2021
UNICC brings together 140 students from around the world to explore issues around the Covid-19 pandemic, refugee crisis and the UN’s accomplishments during its 75 years of history using open-source data.
UNICC Global Hackathon: Data for Good 16 – 19 February 2021
UNICC brings together 140 students from around the world to explore issues around the Covid-19 pandemic, refugee crisis and the UN’s accomplishments during its 75 years of history using open-source data.
Opening of the Year of Celebrations 17 December 2020
On the day UNICC turns 50 years old, staff and directors share their experiences working at UNICC in an extraordinary all-hands internal event.
Opening of the Year of Celebrations 17 December 2020
On the day UNICC turns 50 years old, staff and directors share their experiences working at UNICC in an extraordinary all-hands internal event.
UNICC’s 50 Years in Photos
UNICC mainframe in 1972. Photo: UNICCUNICC colleagues in Geneva in the 70s. Photo: Wolfgang SchuttUNICC colleagues during WFP servers migration to Geneva in 2008. Photo: Venkat VenkateswaranGeneva UNICC colleagues in 2011. Photo: Ian ColliarNew York Office International Lunch 2015. Photo: Francis Fernandes14th anniversary of UNICC Brindisi in May 2016. Photo: Cristina ArgentieriUNICC colleagues in Valencia. Photo: UNICCNew York Office Admin Assistants in front of the Secretariat. Photo: Francis FernandesUNICC staff in Valencia in 2018. Photo: Gianpiero CadinuBrindisi wears orange to celebrate International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2018. Photo: Cristina ArgentieriUNICC Presence in Vietnam. Photo: Barto MolinaUNICC staff in front of an SDG poster in New York. Photo: Bill Allen
