Yesterday, the United Nations Office at Geneva, together with Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte and the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations in Geneva, presented a new collection of responsible, traceable, and circular uniforms for its guides. The collection was presented at the Palais des Nations as part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Mission of the Permanent Representation of Italy in Geneva. The event also hosted a historical-documentary multimedia 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 to the Palais des Nations to discover its historical buildings, learn about the work of the United Nations, and explore the importance of multilateralism. For many, the first meeting is not with a conference officer or a diplomat, but with a UN Geneva guide.

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

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

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

The uniforms are inspired by the principles of social responsibility promoted by the artist Michelangelo Pistoletto and his concept of the "Third Paradise," a balance between nature, society, and innovation. The collection was created by sustainable fashion designer Tiziano Guardini under the guidance of Cittadellarte Fashion B.E.S.T. and with its network of Italian textile and manufacturing partners committed to responsible production practices. Bringing together institutions, designers, manufacturers, and sustainability actors, the project demonstrates how partnerships can transform shared values into visible, concrete action. The uniforms represent the first garment made entirely by the Slow Fiber supply chain, whose 100% wool yarn made by Di.Vè was woven by Achille Pinto, dyed and finished by Tintoria e Finissaggio 2000, cut and tailored by Pattern, and whose linings, in Lenzing yarn, were supplied by Tintoria Stamperia di Lambrugo, all thanks to the coordination of MagnoLab.

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

"These uniforms stem from a relationship with the United Nations that continues to strengthen and outline a shared path, where creativity contributes to building a more mindful future. Being part of nature means recognizing that every choice entails responsibility, starting with what we wear. Clothing is the first expression of this awareness on our bodies: a daily gesture capable of conveying care and respect for life and the world we share," stated Tiziano Guardini, Creative Director of Conscious and designer of the new uniforms.

UN Geneva and Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte wish to express their sincere appreciation to the following partners for their valuable support and contribution to the design and creation 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.

Image credits: Wallisson Vitorr (Cittadellarte). Cover photo: Cittadellarte Director Paolo Naldini and the Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations in Geneva Luigi Maria Vignali with the guides.