The UN: 70 Years, 70 Facts (Part 3)

On June 26, 1945, delegates from 50 nations came together to sign the United Nations Charter – a historic moment for global peace and progress.

To mark the UN’s 70th anniversary this year, over the coming week, we will be sharing 70 facts about the UN and the work it does around the world.

You can find facts 1-10 here and facts 11-20 here, and check out the list below for 10 more.

1. The United Nations Charter was officially ratified on October 24, 1945. (Tweet it)

2. The 193 flags that fly outside the UN Headquarters in New York are displayed alphabetically from north to south. (Tweet it)

3. The UN flag, which was adopted in 1946, shows two olive branches, a traditional symbol of peace, nearly encircling a projection of the world map. (Tweet it)

4. The 18-acre site of the UN Headquarters in New York is international territory. (Tweet it)

5. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy said: “Already the United Nations has become both the measure and the vehicle of man’s most generous impulses.” (Tweet it)

6. 60% of UN staff work outside of the UN’s Headquarters, in locations around the world. (Tweet it)

7. The UN and its related agencies, programs, and staff collectively have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 11 times. (Tweet it)

8. The UN provides food to 90 million people in 80 countries. (Tweet it)

9. The UN observes designated days, weeks, years, and decades on specific themes or topics to promote international awareness and action on issues. (Tweet it)

10. In 2000, world leaders gathered at the UN to launch the Millennium Development Goals, eight goals to reduce extreme poverty by the end of 2015. In September, leaders will again gather at the UN to launch the next set of goals for 2016-2030. (Tweet it)