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.

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.

In 1945, the United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco to enshrine the equality and dignity of all humans at the heart of the UN.

Now more than ever, we need to recommit to the UN Charter’s vision. Take a look back at the 75th anniversary commemoration of the Charter’s signing.

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