Why We Do It

Why We Do It

The United Nations is the only voice that speaks for everyone on earth and the only place where all nations come together. Our challenges are so intertwined that we can only solve them together, with smart responses across countries, cultures and peoples. As our world grows more connected and threats more complex, the success of the UN is even more essential. That’s why the United Nations Foundation exists.

Together, through the UN, the world has eradicated smallpox, closed the ozone hole, and brought stability to war-torn countries; we’ve protected tens of millions of children from disease; given refugees help and hope; enshrined human rights into international law; and all countries have signed up to the collective promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN Foundation is committed to delivering on the promise of the United Nations. We are proud to carry it in our name. We are determined to see it succeed.

When we act together, change happens.

How We Support the UN

Charter of
the United Nations

Children hold up the UN Charter

“We the peoples of the United Nations determined

to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and
to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and
to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and
to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

“And for these ends

to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and
to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and
to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and
to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples,

“Have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims

Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organization to be known as the United Nations.