The number of languages you need to speak to work for the United Nations (UN) depends on the specific position and duty station you are applying for. The UN is a multilingual organization, and its official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.

For most positions, fluency in at least one of the UN’s official languages is required. However, some positions may require fluency in more than one language, particularly if the position involves communication or interaction with individuals from multiple countries or regions.

In addition to language proficiency, the UN also values cross-cultural communication skills and an understanding of cultural diversity. Candidates who have experience living or working in different cultural contexts, or who have studied or traveled extensively, may be particularly well-suited for UN positions that involve cross-cultural communication and collaboration.

Overall, the specific language requirements for UN positions will vary depending on the role and location, but fluency in at least one of the UN’s official languages is typically required. Candidates who have additional language skills may be more competitive for certain positions, particularly those that involve communication or interaction with individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds.