The History of the United Nations

After the devastation of World War 2, world leaders knew they needed a better way to keep peace. In 1945, representatives from 50 countries met in San Francisco. They created the United Nations to help prevent wars and protect human rights. The UN has worked on global problems ever since.

Creating the UN

The idea for the United Nations came from President Franklin Roosevelt and other Allied leaders during World War 2. The UN Charter was signed on June 26, 1945. The first meeting of the UN General Assembly was held in London in 1946. The permanent headquarters was built in New York City.

The UN at Work

The UN has helped end conflicts and sent peacekeepers to troubled areas. UNICEF helps children around the world get food, education, and medical care. The World Health Organization fights diseases. The UN has also created important agreements on human rights, climate change, and international law.

Fun Facts

• The UN started with 51 member countries and now has 193.
• UNICEF was created in 1946 to help children affected by World War 2.
• The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated into over 500 languages.

Did You Know?

Before the United Nations, there was a similar organization called the League of Nations, but it failed to prevent World War 2.