UN Homepage
Language:

The Essential UN

Warsaw, Poland, in ruins after World War II. UN Photo

Origins

The idea of the United Nations was born during World War II (1939-1945). The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was first used in the Declaration by United Nations of 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers. World leaders who had collaborated to end the war felt a strong need for a mechanism that would help bring peace and stop future wars. They realized that this was possible only if all nations worked together through a global organization. The United Nations was to be that Organization.
The UN Charter for sale at the UN bookshop in New York. UN Photo

Charter of the United Nations

The founding document of the United Nations, the UN Charter, was signed on 26 June 1945, in San Francisco.
According to its Charter, the UN aims:
  • to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,
  • to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights,
  • to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained,
  • and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.
Eleanor Roosevelt holding a Declaration of Human Rights poster in 1949. UN Photo

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948 as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations, it sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The Declaration has been translated into more than 500 languages.

 

National flags of member states outside the United Nations Secretariat building. UN Photo

Member States

States are admitted to membership in the United Nations by decision of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The recognition of a new State or Government is an act that only other States and Governments may grant or withhold. The UN currently has 193 member states. The Members of the United Nations pay for everything that the Organization does, according to a scale of assessments agreed upon by all. This scale is based on a country’s ability to pay, national income and population.
Secretary-General António Guterres (right) and Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.

Leadership

Equal parts diplomat and advocate, civil servant and CEO, the Secretary-General is a symbol of United Nations ideals and a spokesman for the interests of the world's peoples, in particular the poor and vulnerable among them. The current Secretary-General, and the ninth occupant of the post, is Mr. António Guterres of Portugal, who took office on 1 January 2017. Since 1997, the Secretary-General has been assisted in managing Secretariat operations by the Deputy Secretary-General, a post currently held by Ms. Amina J. Mohammed of Nigeria.
The Nobel Peace Prize medal. UN Photo

Recognition

In 75 years, the United Nations, its specialised agencies, related agencies, funds, programmes and staff were awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize twelve times. Two Secretaries-General, Kofi Annan and Dag Hammarskjöld, were also honoured for their work by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
The flag of the United Nations. UN Photo

Our Work

The United Nations serves as a global forum where countries can raise and discuss the most difficult issues, including problems of war and peace. In addition to maintaining international peace and security, the United Nations protects human rights, delivers humanitarian aid, promotes sustainable development and upholds international law.

Explainer: What is the UN?

A quick guide on the key components, mission and work of the United Nations - an international organization that helps to build a better world.

Explainer: What is the role of the United Nations Secretary-General?

A quick guide outlining the core responsibilities of the world’s top diplomat, in the service of our shared humanity.

What is the UN General Assembly? | How Exactly Does the UN Bring Peace?

Words not weapons. That’s the fundamental idea at the heart of the UN. Humanity can only survive, humanity can only thrive through cooperation, not conflict. And that’s why the UN exists. The UN General Assembly is like the Super Bowl of global diplomacy.

Can the United Nations Stop a War? | The UN Explained

Can the United Nations stop a war? Can the Security Council stop a war? UN Spokesperson Eri Kaneko answers these questions, and explains the key functions of the United Nations Security Council.

United Nations Peacekeeping: 70 Years of Service and Sacrifice

Deployed to some of the most challenging environments to help some of the most vulnerable people, over 120 countries contribute troops and police to UN Peacekeeping and over one million men and women have served under the UN flag.

Does UN Peacekeeping Work? Here’s the data

If you look at the hard data, UN peacekeeping missions succeed most of the time. They significantly reduce civilian casualties, shorten conflicts, and help make peace agreements stick.

What Is Sustainable Development?

Learn how the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will transform the world, and why it is a priority for the United Nations.

What is a human right?

An introduction to the concept of human rights, and the United Nations framework to promote and protect human rights.

Explainer- United Nations and Decolonization: Past to Present

Since the United Nations was established in 1945, more than 80 former colonies have gained their independence. Today, the United Nations assists 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories across the globe.

UNFPA: What We Do

See how the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) protects human rights and makes a difference around the world.

Sustainable Development Goals: Improve Life All Around The Globe

A hip hop music video that aims to teach young people throughout the world about the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can help build peace.

What you need to know about sexual exploitation and abuse at the UN

Find out how the UN prevents and responds to sexual exploitation and abuse by its personnel.

FAQ: What does the UN do for world peace?

UN tour guides answer questions about UN action on peace and security.

FAQ: How does the UN help people around the world?

UN tour guides answer questions about UN humanitarian and development activities.

FAQ: How much does the UN cost and who pays for it?

UN tour guides answer questions about the UN budget.

How Much Does the UN Really Cost?

UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq answers common questions about the UN’s budget, including how the UN gets its money, how it prevents fraud and waste, what is spent on humanitarian operations, and how the cost of peace compares to the price of war.
The Secretary-General meets South Sudanese refugees at the Imvepi settlement. UN Photo

Did you know?

As the world’s only truly universal global organization, the United Nations has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. Taking a global view reveals some interesting facts.
Did you know:

  • that most of the world’s people live no more than 200 miles from the sea?
  • that decolonization changed the face of the planet, creating more than 80 nations?
  • that women in the labour market still earn on average a quarter less than men globally?
Find out more about the global issues ...

Sustainable Development Goals

In September 2015, countries adopted a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years, including:

Who pays for the UN and how much?

Member States pay according to an agreed-upon scale of assessments. This scale is based on a country’s ability to pay, national income and population size. The top contributing countries are the United States, China, Japan, and Germany.

The current budget for all regular United Nations activities, staff and basic infrastructure is $3.59 billion. The budget for one year of UN peacekeeping is .03% of the world's annual military expenditures. Peace is far cheaper than war and good value for money.

Mark your calendar

The United Nations observes designated days, weeks, years, and decades, each with a theme, or topic. By creating special observances, the United Nations promotes international awareness and action on these issues. The majority of observances have been established by resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, although some have been designated by UN specialized agencies. The United Nations also observes anniversaries of key events in its history.

Basic Facts about the United Nations

This comprehensive handbook explains the structure of the United Nations, how the Organization works, the main issues it addresses and its importance for people everywhere.

The Essential UN

As the world’s only truly universal global organization, the United Nations has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. This authoritative reference provides a comprehensive introduction and overview of the work of the UN in key areas of international peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, and humanitarian action.

The Sustainable Development Goals: Illustrated by Yacine Aït Kaci (YAK)

On 25 September 2015, countries adopted a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda to be achieved by 2030. For the goals to be reached, everyone needs to do their part: governments, the private sector, civil society and people like you. Elyx, the United Nations' digital ambassador, uses various expressions and actions to help demonstrate the meaning of each goal. Created by French artist YAK, Elyx has no race, sex or nationality and is a universal character promoting the importance of the United Nations' work.

ReliefWeb - Informing humanitarians worldwide

ReliefWeb is the leading humanitarian information source on global crises and disasters. We provide reliable and timely information, enabling humanitarian workers to make informed decisions and to plan effective response. We collect and deliver key information, including the latest reports, maps and infographics.