Despite the almost miraculous development of effective vaccines against COVID-19 in 2020, the virus continued to spread and mutate throughout the last year, with much of the blame placed on a lack of effective global collaboration as a key reason for the prolonged pandemic.  UN News highlights the Organization’s work in 2021 to address COVID-19, including the UN-backed programme to help developing countries protect their populations against the virus, and the steps taken to prepare for future global health crises.

Dr. Ralph Bunche, a strong ally of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was the first African-American to win the Nobel Peace Prize and Dr. King the second. Hear from Andrew Young, who was present then as a young activist and went on to become the first African-American Ambassador from the United States to the UN. See how racism in Washington DC prompted Dr. Bunche to turn down an offer from the US State Department and instead pursue a career at the UN. And learn how this pioneer peacemaker went from experiencing racism in his own life to blazing a trail of justice for others around the world.

The pandemic’s fallout had delegates spread out across conference rooms and online platforms, rather than reaching consensus through in-person negotiations.  Further separated by masks and empty chairs, they nevertheless discussed the topics on their agenda. The delegates, who represent their countries, rose to the challenge, and adapted to new ways of working while building on a strong tradition of dialogue and collaboration. This International Delegate’s Day (25 April), we recognize the crucial role of delegates at a time when international cooperation has never been more important.

Since the founding of the United Nations in 1945, hundreds of brave men and women have lost their lives in its service. Today, the growing number and scale of UN peacekeeping missions put many more at risk. The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members (25 March) has taken on even greater importance in recent years, as attacks against the United Nations intensify.  This is a day to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as our colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press.

Virtual tours of the UN in Vienna, as well as virtual lecture programmes on topics ranging from nuclear safety to international organized crime, can now be booked online. #UNVienna #VisitUN

From the Congo to the Middle East, UN icon Sir Brian Urquhart was at the “centre of formative global events”, Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement, paying tribute to the legendary staff member who died at the age of 101. Sir Brian Urquhart, who helped guide the UN from its inception through decades of dramatic challenges, was one of the Organization's first staff members. To celebrate his four decades of service, we feature his Character Sketches from UN News, describing his interactions and impressions of world leaders and historical figures.

Watch United Nations tour guides Daria (Russia), Papa (Senegal) and Emily (China) take you on an exciting journey inside the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

#TheWorldWeWant is a special collection of 75 photos, curated from more than 50,000 images crowdsourced from over 100 countries to celebrate the United Nations 75th Anniversary.

W.H. Auden’s “Hymn to the United Nations” is revived in this tribute produced for United Nations Day.

"In 2020, as the United Nations celebrates 75 years since the Charter’s signing, we have an opportunity to reflect on our shared progress, as well as our common future."

The UN: Innovating for Peace tells the story of a bold and revolutionary United Nations, throughout its history and for the future.

Since mid-March, United Nations Headquarters has operated with an onsite occupancy of a maximum 200 to 300 people a day, with a vast majority of the Organization's staff working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  On 20 July, as part of the phased return of personnel to UN premises, maximum occupancy increased to about 400 people, or roughly 10 per cent of that in normal times. The complex now welcomes back the next group of staff. A staff member visited the premises for the first time in four months to check out the safety and health measures in place. Here’s his step-by-step account.

When the coronavirus pandemic brought New York City to a halt, United Nations interpreters ran into big trouble: their booths and equipment were no longer accessible. However, they are rising to the challenge, exploring new ways to service multilateral meetings, including from their homes. This story, with portraits produced remotely by UN Photo, documents how these professionals have been responding to new challenges COVID-19 added to their already daunting job of providing simultaneous interpretation in six UN official languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the interconnected nature of our world – and that no one is safe until everyone is safe.  Only by acting in solidarity can communities save lives and overcome the devastating socio-economic impacts of the virus.  In partnership with the United Nations, people around the world are showing acts of humanity, inspiring hope for a better future. This photo essay portrays the many examples of global solidarity, inclusive solutions, continued education for future leaders, working during lockdowns, and how everyone can make a difference.

Signed on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco, the UN Charter gave the United Nations its vision and its mission. Join us as we mark its 75th anniversary with a series of virtual events organized by the President of the General Assembly, such as a live-streamed commemoration, which includes interactive dialogues and a musical performance.  We also invite you to take selfies with a unique photo filter and share them on social media. The anniversary of our founding document is an opportunity for “We, the peoples” - the first three words of the Charter - to plant the seeds to build back better.