Years
About WFUNA
WFUNA represents and coordinates a membership of 100+ United Nations Associations (UNAs) and their thousands of constituents around the world.
Become a PartnerWhat we do.
WFUNA works to strengthen and improve the UN through training programs, events and partnerships. Our programs foster critical-thinking and problem-solving. They empower people of all ages to act in their communities.
Learn MoreGlobal Network.
UNAs are national civil society organizations that provide a link between the citizens of the world and the UN. They work to ensure that the UN is relevant to the lives of the people it exists to serve.
Find your local UNAGet Involved.
Become a partner, volunteer, make a donation…join the movement. Your help will bring people together to improve lives around the world through the creation of a stronger and more effective UN.
Take ActionOur Programs
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
1945
UN Charter proclaimed with the opening words “We the peoples of the United Nations…”
1946
Aug 2
WFUNA founded by 22 member UNAs committed to involving the public in the UN’s mission.
1948
Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN and WFUNA declares human rights advocacy a central part of its programs.
1953
“I wish […] to express my appreciation of your most essential service. […] Over the years you have accomplished much and have acted with an ever increasing sense of your great responsibilities.” – UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, to WFUNA’s 12th Plenary Assembly
1966
WFUNA launches 30th anniversary fundraising program to promote the ideals of the UN with stamps and lithographs produced by artists and celebrities. The decades-long project included work by Picasso, Lou Zheng Jang, Miro, Salvador Dali, Ruben Leyva, Al Hirschfeld, Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol.
1967
WFUNA helped promote Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) by holding the first conference on this topic.
1975
WFUNA and other NGOs campaigns end with the signing of the Final Act in Helsinki by 35 governments, establishing the CSCE process.
1977
117th WFUNA Executive Committee sends resolution to the 32nd General Assembly of the UN on restricting nuclear weapons in South Africa and Rhodesia.
1980
WFUNA facilitates high-level informal consultations on disarmament issues between key experts of the USA and USSR throughout the Cold War.
1983
WFUNA organizes a number of NGO Seminars on Disarmament in cooperation with the UN, UNESCO and other NGOs.
1986
UN resolution 41/68 recognizes WFUNA as “the only non-profit that is entirely dedicated to mobilize popular support for the goals and principles of the United Nations” and asks for “all governments to help WFUNA” in its actions.
2013
UN resolution 64/86 commends WFUNA and its UNAs for the valuable contributions they have made, and calls for “continued collaboration between the World Federation and the Department of Public Information in support of their complementary objectives.”
2015
UNAs around the world adopt the 2030 Agenda, and prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on their agendas.
2016
WFUNA launches historic Security Council Election Debates with candidates competing for non-permanent seats to increase civil society access and transparency in the procedure.
2020
WFUNA resumes an art-driven fundraising program for the UN’s 75th anniversary with “fragile multilateralism” as the leading message.
2021
WFUNA celebrates 75 years of connecting people to the work of the United Nations in order to promote a better world for all.
0000
WFUNA celebrates 75 years of connecting people to the work of the United Nations in order to promote a better world for all. Test
Areas Of influence
From WFUNA’s Network
“I have seen the difference [WFUNA] makes around the world. Thank you for your enduring support for the United Nations, you are among our strongest allies and advocates in communities around the globe.”
– Ban Ki Moon, Former Secretary-General of United Nations
WFUNA News & Events
Register for a Program
Do you want to learn more about the UN? Or implement an SDG project in your community? Our programs will give you the skills and connections you need!
EventsBecome a Partner
Are you part of an organization, foundation or school that wants to help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals? We are always open to collaborating to help connect more people to the UN and empower global citizens.
Let’s start a conversation!