Home Page

Homepage 1
Homepage Sigrun
Homepage 3
Homepage 4

The Commons

The Knowledge & Learning Commons is the Library & Archives’ space dedicated to knowledge sharing and exchange on issues of multilateralism.

The Commons draws upon the diverse range of resources of the Library & Archives on the history and current state of international cooperation for peace, rights and well-being. We bring you a range of events, discussions, video interviews, online resource guides and more.

Latest blogs

This image shows two diplomats at an event at the UN Library & Archives Geneva, seated and looking at a TV screen featuring the word "Welcome" in several languages.

Celebrating Languages, Enriching Research: International Mother Language Day 2025

Linguistic diversity is essential for preserving and sharing knowledge, supporting multilateral diplomacy, and ensuring inclusive research. On this International Mother Language Day, celebrated each year on 21 February, we’re joining in efforts to highlight why languages matter for our world, and sharing how you can access our resources in many languages.

Past Events

This image shows a blue background with the UN logo and a laptop. The title of the session is also displayed, entitled "Discovering Multilateralism".

Discovering primary sources on multilateralism, from the League of Nations to the UN. A session by the UN Library & Archives Geneva.

*This information session will be held in English. Students from all universities are invited to join us for an information session on how to access primary sources on multilateralism at the UN Library & Archives Geneva.

Explore Resources

This is the invitation for an event on 3 June to celebrate International Archives Week. The title of the event is overlayed over a beige colored background. The text reads: Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Challenges in Accessing UN Archives Geneva Collections, #ArchivesAreAccessible. The logos of the UN Library & Archives Geneva and the International Council of Archives are shown. The image shows a hand typing on a keyboard, a hand using a computer mouse, two hands clasped together and a hand holding a folder

#ArchivesAreAccessible - Celebrating International Archives Week 2025

At the UN Library & Archives Geneva, we’re thrilled to join in celebrations for International Archives Week 2025. This year’s theme, #ArchivesAreAccessible: Archives for Everyone, is close to our hearts as we work to remove the virtual and physical barriers to accessing our archival collections. In this video, we asked some of our research community to share how online access to the League of Nations Archives in particular has changed their work. 

About the commons 

Find out more about our mission and what we do at the Commons.

Francesco Pissano speaking
About Us

The Library & Archives launched the Commons in 2019 as a space for sharing knowledge on multilateralism.

Read more

Participants at an event
What we do

The Commons provides a space to engage, exchange and learn through a range of in-person and online sessions, digital products and more.

Read more 

Library and Archives - colleague with books
Library & Archives

Since its founding in 1919 as the Library of the League of Nations, the UN Library & Archives Geneva has continued to evolve as a centre of research and international understanding. The Commons is a part of this evolution.Find out more about the Library & Archives.

Read more