The United Nations is the only place on Earth where all the world's nations can come together to discuss common problems and find shared solutions that benefit all of humanity.
What we do
Peace
We help warring parties make peace, deploy peacekeepers in conflict regions and create the conditions necessary for peace to take hold and flourish.
Human rights
We believe that all people are born free and equal, and advocate for everyone to have the same basic human rights, regardless of their race, sex, nationality, religion or any other status.
Humanitarian aid
We coordinate humanitarian relief for communities overwhelmed by conflict or disasters when national authorities alone cannot cope.
Development
Sustainable development and climate action are vital to the present and future well-being of humanity. The Pact for the Future points the way towards a safer, more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world for tomorrow's generations.
International law
Our work is shaped by the UN Charter (the Organization's founding document), multilateral treaties, UN courts and tribunals. The Security Council, which convenes at UN Headquarters in New York, can approve peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions, or authorize the use of force.
Ten ways we make a difference
1.
We assist and protect 139 million people fleeing war, famine and persecution.
UNHCR
Photo: The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) providing aid to Nicaraguan asylum-seekers in Costa Rica. ©UNHCR/Nicolo Filippo Rosso
2.
We provide food and assistance to 123 million people in over 120 countries and territories.
WFP
Photo: The UN emergency food relief agency (WFP) feeding vulnerable people in Yemen. ©WFP/Osama Mohamed
3.
We supply vaccines to 45% of the world's children, and help save 3 million lives a year.
UNICEF
Photo: Nurses supported by the UN children's agency (UNICEF) vaccinate babies in Côte d'Ivoire. ©UNICEF/UNI316687/Dejongh
4.
We work with 196 nations to keep the global temperature rise well below 2°C /3.6°F.
UNFCCC
Photo: The UN Global Climate Action Awards recognize the world's most innovative, scalable and replicable examples of action to tackle climate change. ©UNFCCC
5.
We keep peace with 61,000 peacekeepers in 11 operations around the world.
UN Peacekeeping
Photo: Police officers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). ©UN Photo/JC McIlwaine
6.
We tackle the global water crisis affecting over 4 billion people worldwide.
UN Water
Photo: UN Water supporting UN Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams in connecting, coordinating and acting on local initiatives. ©UNHCR/Nicolo Filippo Rosso
7.
We protect and promote human rights globally and through 80 treaties/declarations.
Human Rights
Photo: The UN office on human rights makes sure that human rights standards and principles are integrated within the UN system policies and programmes. ©UNICEF/Rodrigo Mussapp
8.
We coordinate US$45 billion appeal for the humanitarian needs of 186 million people.
UN OCHA
Photo: The UN office for humanitarian affairs (OCHA) coordinating response efforts after the devastating 2023 earthquake in Türkiye. ©OCHA/L1006320 Barbaros Kayan
9.
We use diplomacy to prevent conflict: assist some 50 countries a year with their elections.
UN DPPA
Photo: The UN provides international assistance to elections, a vital part of the democratic process. ©UNDP
10.
We protect over 22.5 million people with life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare.
UNFPA
Photo: The UN sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) works to ensure sexual and reproductive health and rights remain at the very centre of development. ©UNFPA/Doan Bau Chau
Get involved
Join the UN
There are many ways to join the United Nations and get involved. You can apply to become a staff member, volunteer or intern, affiliate your NGO with the UN or ask your company to join the UN Global Compact.
Advocate for UN causes
You can join Act Now, the global campaign for a better, more peaceful and sustainable future, based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, a blueprint for a better world. Tens of millions of citizens have already taken part in this movement for positive change, by volunteering in their local community, taking part in local decision-making or simply changing their personal habits to live more environmentally responsible lives.
FAQs
Many, if not all, of the questions you might have about the UN can be answered by the Dag Hammarskjöld Library. Located at UN Headquarters in New York, the Library provides research, archival, and information services to support the participation of Member States at the United Nations and also in service to the general public. All answers are verified with reference to original sources.
You can put your own questions to the Library, by using the Ask DAG online tool.
Examples of frequently asked questions
How do I start research on UN topics?
Visit our main website, where you can learn about the UN's history, read our founding document, the UN Charter, and explore some of the global issues the UN is engaged in.
Where can I find a chart of the UN System?
Here is an official chart showing the principal organs of the United Nations and other parts of the UN System.
Does the UN have an army?
The UN has no standing army or police force of its own. Member States are asked to contribute military and police personnel required for Peacekeeping operations. Peacekeepers wear their countries' uniform and are identified as UN peacekeepers only by a UN blue helmet or beret and a badge.
What is the UN doing to combat racism and racial discrimination?
Throughout its history, the United Nations has worked for human rights and for the eradication of racism and racial discrimination around the world. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination was the first of the major international agreements on human rights adopted by the UN General Assembly, its implementation is monitored by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
How is the Secretary-General of the UN appointed?
The Secretary-General, the UN's chief administrative officer, is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. Most of the negotiations on this matter take place behind the scenes and the official documents rarely reflect the process, just the outcome.
Who are the current members of the UN?
There are currently 193 UN Member States. Member States are countries that have signed onto the UN Charter. Each of the Member States of the United Nations has one seat in the General Assembly. Information about current members, growth of membership since 1945, and the procedure of how a country becomes a member is available on the UN website and the Model UN website.
Are UN resolutions binding?
Resolutions and decisions are formal expressions of the opinion or will of UN organs. The nature of the resolution determines if it is considered binding on States. In general, resolutions adopted by the Security Council are considered binding.