UN flag

The flag of the United Nations is one of the most recognizable and significant symbols in the modern world. It is a powerful visual representation of the ideals of peace, security, and international cooperation enshrined in the UN Charter. This flag symbolizes the shared commitment of its 193 member states to prevent conflicts, protect human rights, and promote social and economic progress. It is a universal sign of hope, neutrality, and collective responsibility for the future of humanity.

Design and Symbolism

The UN flag has a simple yet deeply symbolic design. It consists of a light blue banner with the organization's white emblem positioned in the center.

• Light Blue Color: This shade, often referred to as "UN blue," was specifically chosen to move away from the traditional colors of war. It symbolizes peace, calm, and harmony.

• White Emblem: The emblem consists of two key elements:

  1. A map of the world: The image of the world map, centered on the North Pole, represents a top-down view that avoids giving prominence to any single country or region. This emphasizes the equality and global reach of all the world's peoples.

  2. Olive branches: Placed on either side of the map, the two olive branches are an ancient symbol of peace, dating back to the traditions of ancient Greece. Their presence on the emblem directly points to the UN's primary goal: maintaining peace and security across the globe.

Dimensions and Proportions

The official UN flag has an aspect ratio of 2:3 or 3:5, as defined in official documents. The white emblem occupies the central part of the flag, and its height is exactly one-half of the flag's width. Such precise placement and proportions ensure uniformity and instant recognition of the symbol worldwide.

History of Creation and Adoption

A preliminary design for the UN emblem was created in 1945 for use at the San Francisco Conference, where the UN Charter was signed. Initially, the emblem was designed for delegate pins, but it quickly became the symbol of the organization. In 1946, the General Assembly considered the creation of an official flag. After minor design modifications, the flag was officially adopted by Resolution 167 (II) of the UN General Assembly on October 20, 1947. From that moment, it became the organization's official symbol.

Countries and Regions

The UN flag serves as a symbol uniting 193 member states. It does not belong to any one country but is the common property of the entire international community that makes up the Organization. The flag symbolizes the collective will of all these countries to work together to solve global problems—from peacekeeping operations to poverty reduction and environmental protection.

Interesting Facts

• The original light blue color was chosen to be distinctly different from the flags used during World War II and to clearly associate the organization with peace.

• During peacekeeping missions, where UN troops are deployed in conflict zones, the UN flag is a sign of neutrality and protection. It ensures the inviolability of humanitarian missions and personnel working under its auspices.

• The UN emblem also serves as the basis for the flags of many specialized UN agencies and programs, such as UNESCO, WHO, and UNICEF, which highlights their connection to the parent organization.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.