In 2024, U.S. companies received $2.13B in contracts from the UN

In 2024 alone, U.S. companies secured $2.13 billion in UN contracts, more than any other country. These contracts support jobs in nearly every state — from aviation in the Pacific Northwest to pharmaceuticals in New Jersey. In fact, every U.S. dollar contributed in dues to the UN returns almost dollar-for-dollar in procurement for American businesses.

As the world’s biggest diplomatic arena, the UN is the space where the U.S. engages with global competitors to defend our allies and interests against regimes like China and Russia. When conflicts arise, UN Peacekeeping works to contain crises and protect civilians — all at just one-eighth the cost of deploying comparable U.S. missions. The UN also serves as the most effective platform for the U.S. to enforce sanctions against terrorist groups and hostile states.

The UN helps disrupt terrorist financing, arms trafficking and cybercrime — efforts that keep threats away from U.S. soil. U.S. law enforcement agencies rely on UN conventions and coordination through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to combat fentanyl trafficking, human smuggling and organized crime.

With Eleanor Roosevelt at the helm of drafting the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it’s no surprise that UN values mirror American values — like democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These values show up in the critical work of U.S.-funded UN agencies that deliver lifesaving services, food and nutrition, healthcare, education and humanitarian support to populations worldwide.

American investment in UN health programs has helped generate some of the most groundbreaking global health work in history, including efforts to fight malaria, HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis and polio. Working with more than 70 Collaborating Centers across the U.S. and hundreds of others worldwide, the World Health Organization coordinates response to outbreaks to keep disease from spreading. 

Through UNESCO, 26 U.S. sites — from the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall to Yellowstone and Mesa Verde — are recognized as World Heritage Sites. These designations bring global expertise and visibility that boost tourism, protect history and strengthen local economies, ensuring future generations can experience America’s cultural and natural legacy.

UN bodies like the International Maritime Organization set shipping safety and emissions standards that protect U.S. coastlines and maritime industries. Arctic stations in Alaska and coastal monitoring along American shores contributes to UN climate data, which informs global and U.S. models used by NOAA and NASA.

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) — a UN agency — ensures Americans can reliably send and receive international mail. Global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) keep flights in and out of U.S. airports safe. Even things like the standardized traffic light system originated in UN negotiations, making daily life safer and more efficient.