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Organization Releases Forty-Second Edition of ‘Basic Facts about the United Nations’ in Colour, Covering Global Activities Since 2014

The United Nations has released the forty-second edition of Basic Facts about the United Nations, covering significant developments in the Organization’s global activities since 2014, including the adoption and launch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.  The colour icons of the Sustainable Development Goals are featured in the publication.

In the Foreword to the volume, Secretary-General António Guterres, who took office on 1 January 2017, states that Basic Facts “provides a window” into the work of the Organization and that he hopes “anyone interested in the United Nations will find it a useful resource, as well as a call to action as we strive to realize the objectives of the Organization’s founding Charter”.

Published since 1947, Basic Facts serves as the definitive introduction to the United Nations and its family of related institutions and agencies.  It is an invaluable tool for diplomats, students, researchers and the general public. Popular with candidates preparing for the Young Professionals Programme exam and United Nations tour guides wanting to bolster their repertoire of knowledge, Basic Facts presents a comprehensive overview of the work and activities of the Organization, including those of its funds, programmes and specialized agencies.

Fully indexed, this latest 296-page edition comprises six chapters: United Nations Charter, structure and system; international peace and security; economic and social development; human rights; humanitarian action; and international law.  It also contains the updated United Nations system chart and appendices with the list of Member States, past and present peacekeeping operations, United Nations observances, United Nations information centres, selected United Nations websites and territories that have achieved independence or self-determination or have become integrated or associated with independent States.

Released for the first time in colour to graphically raise awareness of the 17 universal Sustainable Development Goals, Basic Facts chronicles the launch of the 2030 Agenda, marking a new course for the Organization towards ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030.  The forty-second edition of Basic Facts also features an increased number of website links to access current information, including Twitter and Facebook locators for most United Nations entities.

Basic Facts about the United Nations, 42nd edition, (xvi + 280 pp., Sales No. E.17.I.2, ISBN: 978-92-1-101350-4, eISBN: 978-92-1-058490-6) can be ordered from United Nations Publications, PO Box 960, Herndon, Virginia 20172, United States of America, or by email at order@un.org, or by website at shop.un.org.  It is also available on United Nations-iLibrary at www.un-ilibrary.org.

For more information, please contact Lawri Lala Moore, United Nations Department of Public Information, at tel.: +1 212 953 3854, or email moore1@un.org.

For information media. Not an official record.