Using the language of symbols, the logo of the United Nations states the mission of the intergovernmental organization focusing on promoting peace and international cooperation.
United Nations, or simply the UN, is an international organization of states created to maintain and strengthen international peace, security, and cooperation between countries.
The name United Nations, coined by United States President Franklin Roosevelt, was first used in the Declaration of Nations on January 1, 1942, when during World War II representatives of 26 nations pledged on behalf of their governments to continue fighting together against the Nazi bloc.
In 1945, the UN Charter was adopted, consisting of 111 articles. It was signed on June 26, 1945, by representatives of 50 countries. Poland, not represented at the Conference, signed it later and became the 51st founding state.
The scope of the UN’s work spans the globe, and its overarching mandate is to address social, economic, and emergency needs. It does not represent any national or commercial interests. All countries participate in making the most important strategic decisions of the UN.
Most UN members are members of specialized UN agencies.Autonomous organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are also part of the overall UN system.
The official languages of the UN and its organizations are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.The UN is headquartered in New York City.
What is United Nations?
United Nations is the largest international intergovernmental organization, created in 1945 by the representatives of 51 countries to maintain and strengthen international peace and collective security, develop international cooperation and promote global economic and social progress.
Both the original logo and the current one feature a map of the world as seen from the North Pole. In the first version, the projection of the map extends to the 40th parallel south, while the current projection extends to 60th parallel south and includes 5 concentric circles. The revised emblem was approved by the Assembly in 1946.
The meaning of the design seems to be perfectly clear. While the olive wreath is an ancient symbol of peace, the map is the indication of the organization’s desire to extend its influence to the whole world.
There are several organizations working under the UN umbrella. Logos of some of them incorporate the United Nations logo, while others have a completely different brand identity. For instance, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) logo features the familiar globe and laurel wreath, as well as the iconic combination of light blue and white, while the United Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights only takes the olive branches.
Like many other logotypes, that of the UN has been accused of having a sinister hidden meaning. Take, for instance, the fact that the map projection is given as if it was seen from the North. The New Jerusalem, where the Antichrist will supposedly rule, is situated “on the sides of the north.” Conspiracy theorists also find other signs that the emblem actually symbolizes the Northern Army conquering the world before the Antichrist comes to rule it. They don’t actually explain whether it makes any difference which army in particular will conquer the world.
The flag is based on the emblem, which is placed right at its center. The emblem itself is given in white, in its regular version, while the background is light blue. The proportions are typically 2:3 or 3:5 (width and length respectively). The size of the emblem is a half of the width of the flag.
While neither the UN logo nor the flag feature any text, the organization’s official web resource has the words “United Nations” written in a simple, perfectly legible sans serif type.
The official palette of the organization includes only two colors: white and light blue (PMS 279). Although the UN claim the colors don’t actually have any symbolic meaning, it is obvious that the combination is most often perceived as the colors of the clear sky (and the clouds), which is often considered a symbol of peace. The organization has mentioned though that it was chosen as the opposite of red, the war color.
While the flag features white and light blue, the emblem itself is typically given in gold against the white background.
What is the meaning of the United Nations logo?
The UN emblem consists of a map of the world, which is represented as an equidistant polar azimuthal projection. The map is framed by two olive branches.Thus, the two symbols, the world map and the olive branches, best show and represent the purpose of the United Nations. After all, olive branches, since ancient times, or to be more precise, since the time of ancient Greece, have meant peace. Therefore, the fact that olive branches surround the map of the world clearly symbolizes what all the efforts of the UN are aimed at – world peace.
Why is the UN flag blue and white?
The light and pleasant shade of blue, used for the background of the United Nations Flag, symbolizes peace and unity, while the white contours of the emblem, drawn over it, are a representation of reliability, trustworthiness, and loyalty.