For Humanity
The present report looks back on a year of headwinds and hope for humanity. In 2024, deadly conflicts continued to inflict massive suffering and displacement. Our planet shattered new heat records. Poverty, hunger and inequalities rose, while transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence expanded without effective guardrails, and international law and human rights were trampled.
In the face of such challenges, the United Nations worked to translate our shared values into meaningful action on the ground for people around the world.
The present report demonstrates that despite enormously trying times – indeed, precisely because of them – we can and must keep pushing for the better world that we know is within reach. We will renew our efforts to achieve peace, foster sustainable development and defend and uphold human rights, for all of humanity.
The present report demonstrates that despite enormously trying times – indeed, precisely because of them – we can and must keep pushing for the better world that we know is within reach.
ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, United Nations Secretary-General
Achievements of the United Nations
family in 2024
The United Nations Secretariat is part of the wider United Nations family with over 100 bodies and organizations, including some 30 agencies, funds and programmes. Every year, the United Nations family supports hundreds of millions of people with over $60 billion of assistance.
139M
people assisted and protected while fleeing war, famine and persecution
123M
people provided with food and assistance in over 120 countries and territories
3M
lives saved a year through vaccines supplied to 45% of the world’s children
196
nations working with the United Nations to keep global temperature rise below 2°C/3.6°F
67,500
peacekeepers and civilian personnel maintaining peace in 11 operations around the world
4B
people affected by global water crisis that the United Nations is tackling
80
treaties/declarations to protect and promote human rights globally
$50B
appeal coordinated for the humanitarian needs of 198 million people
48
countries assisted with their elections, using diplomacy to prevent conflict
11M
people provided with sexual and reproductive health services
Ten ways the United Nations makes a difference