Following the end of World War II in 1945, 51 countries—including the United States—came together to form the United Nations, an international organization tasked with maintaining international peace and security, promoting social progress, and supporting universal human rights.
The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe. Although best known for its peacekeeping ‘blue helmets’ and humanitarian assistance, there are many other ways the United Nations and its system (specialized agencies, funds and programs) affect our lives and make the world a better place.