Quick Facts
Membership: 192 Member States
Established: 24 October 1945
Secretariat staffing as of 30 June 2009 (Secretary-General's report "Composition of the Secretariat" [A/64/352] ): about 40,000
Current UN peacekeeping operations: 16
Budget for 2008-2009: USD 4.171 billion (peacekeeping operations not included)
Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish.
Information about the UN in other languages
UN Observances - The first day approved by the UN General Assembly was United Nations Day, 24 October (by resolution 168 (II) of 31 October 1947).
Overview
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. Due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter, the Organization can take action on a wide range of issues, and provide a forum for its 192 Member States to express their views, through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies and committees.
The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe. Although best known for peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance, there are many other ways the United Nations and its System (specialized agencies, funds and programmes) affect our lives and make the world a better place. The Organization works on a broad range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment and refugees protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation, to promoting democracy, human rights, gender equality and the advancement of women, governance, economic and social development and international health, clearing landmines, expanding food production, and more, in order to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a safer world for this and future generations.
Structure and Organization
Basic Information
Who's Who
- President of the General Assembly
- Secretary-General
- Deputy Secretary-General
- Senior Management Group
- SG's Representatives and Envoys
- Messengers of Peace
- Goodwill Ambassadors
- Nobel Peace Prize Awardees
More Information
- Public Inquiries
- 60 Ways the UN makes a difference
- Yearbook of the United Nations
- Capital Master Plan
Non-Governmental Organizations
- UN and Civil Society
- The Department of Public Information and NGOs
- The Department of Economic and Social Affairs and NGOs
- UN Non-Governmental Liaison Services
Teachers / Students
Visitors
- Exhibitions at UN Headquarters, New York
- Guided tours: New York | Geneva | Vienna
- UN On-Line Tour (UN Headquarters, New York)
Looking for Employment Opportunities
- Employment
- Recruitment through competitive examinations
- United Nations Volunteers
- Internships at Headquarters
Staff Services
Mailing Address
(Read Security Notice)
UN Headquarters
First Avenue at 46th Street
New York, NY 10017
USA