About the UN

The United Nations is a vehicle for international debate and cooperation in responding to the global crises that face humanity. It was founded in 1945 after World War Two and seeks to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations amongst nations, promote social progress and improve living standards and human rights.

Cooperating in this effort are more than 30 affiliated organisations that are collectively known as the UN system. The UN and its family of organisations work to promote respect for human rights, protect the environment, fight disease, promote development and reduce poverty. UN agencies also define standards for safe and efficient transport by air and sea, help improve telecommunications, enhance consumer protection, work to ensure respect for intellectual property rights and coordinate allocation of radio frequencies. The UN leads international campaigns against illicit drug trafficking and terrorism. Throughout the world, the UN and its agencies assist refugees and set up programs to clear landmines, help improve the quality of drinking water, expand food production, make loans to developing countries and help stabilise financial markets.

Many Australians have been involved in the UN as diplomats, field workers, educators, electoral advisers, peacekeepers, mediators, on developmental and environmental projects, and as national and Non-Government representatives at international conferences. Australia was a founding member of the UN and has a good record of maintaining its financial and material support for the UN over the years.