The United Nations (UN) logo is a globally recognized symbol of peace and international cooperation. Through its use of thoughtful imagery, it represents the organization's mission to foster harmony and collaboration among nations.

Meaning and History of the UN Logo

The United Nations, established in 1945, is an intergovernmental organization created to maintain global peace, strengthen security, and promote international cooperation. Its mission spans social, economic, and humanitarian efforts worldwide. The visual identity of the UN, including its emblem and flag, reflects these values through a combination of meaningful design elements.

Evolution of the UN Logo

• 1945 – 1946:
  The original UN logo was designed during the United Nations Conference on International Organization in 1945 by a team led by architect and designer Oliver Lincoln Lundquist. The design featured a world map projection extending to the 40th parallel south.
• 1946 – Present:
  The current emblem, adopted in 1946, includes a map projection extending to the 60th parallel south, surrounded by five concentric circles. This change expanded the map's scope to encompass more of the world. The emblem retains its defining elements—a global map and an olive wreath.

Design Elements and Their Meaning

1. The Map:
   The world map, viewed from the North Pole, symbolizes the UN’s commitment to representing and addressing the needs of all nations equally. It underscores the organization's global reach and inclusiveness.
2. The Olive Wreath:
   An ancient symbol of peace, the olive branches signify the UN's core mission to prevent conflict and promote harmony among countries.
3. Color Scheme:
   The official colors—white and light blue—are universally associated with peace and tranquility. Light blue (PMS 279) was selected as a calming alternative to red, often linked with war and aggression.
4. Flag Representation:
   The UN flag features the emblem in white on a light blue background. The emblem’s size is proportional to the flag, occupying half the flag's width. This design reinforces the organization's peaceful ideals while maintaining clarity and simplicity.

Broader Influence and Symbolism

• UN Agencies and Logos:
  Several UN-affiliated organizations incorporate elements of the UN emblem into their logos, such as the globe and olive branches. For instance, the UNICEF logo integrates these elements, while other agencies, like the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, use only the olive branches.
• Conspiracy Theories:
  Some have speculated about hidden meanings in the UN emblem, such as its map projection from the North Pole. These claims, however, are largely unfounded and lack credible evidence.

The UN Emblem in Practice

• Global Recognition:
  The emblem is prominently displayed on UN documents, flags, and buildings, reinforcing its status as a universal symbol of peace and cooperation.
• Practical Design:
  While the emblem itself contains no text, the official "United Nations" logotype, used on its website and materials, features a clean, sans-serif font to ensure readability and a modern aesthetic.

The United Nations logo is more than a visual identity; it embodies the ideals of global unity, peace, and shared progress. Through its carefully chosen symbols and colors, it serves as a constant reminder of the organization's mission to build a better world.