Public Notice: Misuse of the UN name, acronym and emblem by the entity called “United Nations Independent System-Wide Evaluation Mechanism (UNISWEM)

It has come to the attention of the United Nations that an entity or group calling itself the “United Nations Independent System-Wide Evaluation Mechanism (UNISWEM)”, led primarily by an individual named Dr. Peter Wandwasi based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been misusing and misrepresenting the UN name, acronym, and emblem.

We wish to clarify and confirm that neither “UNISWEM” nor Dr. Wandwasi are in any way affiliated with the United Nations.

The use of the United Nations name, including any abbreviation, and the emblem is strictly reserved for the official purposes of the Organization, in line with General Assembly resolution 92(I) of 7 December 1946. Any other use requires the express authorization of the Secretary-General. Commercial use is explicitly prohibited. Furthermore, the UN name and emblem are protected under Article 6 ter of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Stockholm, 1967).

The United Nations has issued three formal cease-and-desist notices, most recently on 8 February 2024, instructing Dr. Wandwasi to immediately halt all activities seeking to associate him or “UNISWEM” with the UN.

For clarity, “UNISWEM” should not be confused with the United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office (UNSDG SWEO), which was officially established in December 2023 to strengthen oversight, transparency, accountability, and collective learning across the UN system.

In light of the above, the United Nations strongly advises Member States, partners, and the public not to engage with “UNISWEM” or Dr. Wandwasi. Any approaches or correspondence from this entity or individual should be reported to the UN for appropriate action.