Library Guides: United Nations Research: About the United Nations

Key Reference Sources

Founded in 1945 in the wake of WWII, as a forum for discussion of international concerns and with the hope of reducing conflict, the UN currently consists of 193 member states. Its work is defined by the UN Charter and encompasses issues of peace and security, human rights, international law, economic and social policy questions, the environment, development, women's issues, and more.

History of the United Nations
Information on the predecessor agencies and preparatory work leading to the creation of the UN. Also includes timelines with key events in UN history.
The Yearbook of the United Nations
There is no better place to explore UN activities. Arranged in broad topical sections such as peace and security or human rights as well as a regional exploration of activities.

Foundational Documents

United Nations Charter
Statute of the International Court of Justice
An annex to the UN Charter, the Statute lays out the organization and functions of the Court.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Other Key Documents

United Nations Handbook 2019-20: An annual guide for those working with and within the United Nations
From the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade this handbook provides and excellent overview of UN structure and functions.
Millennium Development Goals
In 2000, the UN member nations agreed to work on 8 key goals addressing poverty, health, food security, education, and the environment. These goals have formed the foundation of the UN's activities since then.
Sustainable Development Goals
17 goals established post MDG
Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Convention, passed over 25 years ago, recognizes the human rights of children under 18. Only one country, he United States, has not ratified the treaty. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Madeleine Albright signed the declaration in 1995 but it was never submitted to the Senate for ratification.

Member States

There are currently 193 member states, plus two observer states -- the Holy See and Palestine.

Member states
List of member states with links to their permanent missions.

Currently at the UN

UN News: Global perspective Human stories
Everything that is going on at the UN, includes news and meeting summaries, links to the UN Radio and TV sites, and more.
Journal of the United Nations
A list of all meetings at the UN Headquarters. Issued daily in English and French. Available online back to 2003.
Daily List of Documents Issued