U.S.-UN Relations
In the aftermath of World War II, countries around the world agreed that an international institution was necessary to maintain global peace and security. The United States was instrumental in the design and formation of the United Nations through the vision of Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Initially, the United Nations was established with 51 member states, and today the membership has grown to include 192 countries.
Headquartered in New York City, the UN has become the primary forum for leaders across the globe to discuss critical challenges facing the world. The UN remains critical to enhancing American interests; as a key member of the UN, and its largest funder, the U.S. helps to resolve challenges around globe.
A 2011 poll by the Better World Campaign showed strong American public support for the UN, with a majority of Americans recognizing the relevante of the UN's work to resolve conflicts, keep peace, provide humanitarian and disaster relief, and serve as a forum for discussion and resolution of issues for countries around the world.
About the UN
The UN Security Council
The UN General Assembly
UN Agencies, Funds and Programs
Great Moments in the UN's History
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 2010: The Humanitarian Response to the Earthquake in Haiti
The United Nations coordinated the historic international relief effort of 500 organizations including UN agencies, NGOs, and other humanitarian organizations. The UN was on the ground from the initial rescue phase and continues to support the reconstruction and rebuilding effort.
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 1992: World Environment Conference
The "Earth Summit" (UN Conference on Environment and Development) in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil -- the largest intergovernmental gathering at the time -- resulted in global agreements in biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development.
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 1980: Smallpox Eradicated
A 13-year effort by the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) resulted in the complete eradication of smallpox in 1980, saving an estimated $1 billion a year in vaccination and monitoring.
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 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis Resolved
UN Secretary-General U Thant is widely credited for having defused the Cuban Missile Crisis by interceding between U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev, thereby avoiding a nuclear war.
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 1953: Korean War Ended
With news that the DPRK attacked the Republic of Korea (South Korea), the Security Council declared the attack to be a breach of peace and recommended that member states make forces available to a UN Unified Command under the United States. UN agencies assisted South Korea in rebuilding and providing development assistance.
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 1948: Universal Declaration of Human Rights Signed
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt personally helped prepare the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first document considered to have international normative value.
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 1946: United Nations Founded
President Harry Truman, along with representatives from 50 other countries, signed the UN Charter in San Francisco, California.
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