Where History Is Made

The United Nations is the site of some of the most significant events in recent history, from the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 to the unprecedented Millennium Summit in September 2000 that brought together about 150 heads of State and Government.

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Eleanor Roosevelt holding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Lake Success, 1949

South African President Nelson Mandela addressing the General Assembly, 3 October 1994

Millennium Summit of world leaders, 6-8 September 2000, NY

International Territory

When you pass through the gates of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, you enter international territory. The 18-acre site extends from 42nd Street to 48th Street, and from First Avenue to the East River.

The land does not belong to just one country, but to all countries that have joined the Organization. The United Nations has its own security and fire forces, issues its own postage stamps and conducts business in its six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

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Flags of Member States fly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York

International Tour Guides

Young women and men from approximately 20 countries conduct tours in over 15 different languages.

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Tour guides posing in the Rose Garden at the United Nations Headquarters