Key Facts
Key Information
About
The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a nonprofit grassroots membership organization dedicated to building political and public support for the United Nations among Americans. Founded in 1964 through the merger of the American Association for the United Nations (AAUN) and the U.S. Committee for the United Nations, UNA-USA traces its roots to earlier internationalist efforts, including the League of Nations Association in the 1920s and the AAUN established in 1945. As a program of the United Nations Foundation, it operates with over 20,000 members and more than 230 chapters across the United States, advocating for stronger U.S. engagement with the UN, enhancement of the UN system, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Charter both domestically and globally. Key figures in its history include Eleanor Roosevelt, who played a pivotal role in growing the AAUN's influence through public education and advocacy. UNA-USA focuses on informing, inspiring, and mobilizing Americans to support UN principles and values, particularly in areas like peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development. It engages in grassroots activities, campus outreach, and congressional advocacy to foster a robust U.S.-UN partnership. Programs such as the Youth Observer to the UN, launched in 2012, empower young leaders to address global issues like climate action and digital rights. Additionally, through partnerships like the Better World Campaign, UNA-USA provides educational resources such as 'UN, Explained' to highlight the UN's impact on American interests and international cooperation. The organization emphasizes volunteer-driven initiatives and has evolved to address contemporary challenges, maintaining its commitment to internationalism since its inception. With chapters in over 46 states and territories, UNA-USA serves as a vital bridge between U.S. communities and the UN, promoting active participation in global governance.