United Nations Flag: Meaning and History

History of the flag

The United Nations flag was adopted in 1947, following the founding of the organization in 1945.

It represents the unity of nations and embodies their mission : to ensure peace, human rights and development.

What do the elements of the flag mean?

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  The map of the world seen from the North Pole represents all the peoples of the Earth as equals.

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  The olive branches evoke peace, one of the organization's founding values.

• Like the olive branches, the light blue background embodies peace. It is seen as the opposite of red, often associated with war.