The United Nations system includes a large number of intergovernmental organizations, specialized agencies, programmes, funds, offices and research institutes as well as related organizations. Two thirds of the activities of the United Nations system take place in Geneva, making it a key centre of international co-operation and multilateral negotiation. This is one of the reasons that the city is often referred to as "International Geneva".

Around 8,500 staff work for the United Nations family in Geneva, which is the largest concentration of United Nations personnel in the world. They are active in many of the major fields of work of the United Nations, including health; labour; intellectual property; human rights; humanitarian action and disaster relief; economic, trade and development activities; disarmament efforts; science and technology; as well as research and training.

UNOG cooperates closely with the United Nations entities in Geneva, including in providing administrative and conference services support.