The United Nations
The United Nations
A visit to the United Nations will be one you will long remember!
When you stop to think of all it stands for, and undertakes, as well as the awesome responsibility that rests on the shoulders of those whose work takes them into this building on a daily basis. Not to mention, all of the people around the world, in many different countries, looking to The United Nations for help in troubled times. It is indeed a humble experience!
President Franklin D. Roosevelt on January 1, 1942 named this organization. During World War II, at that time 26 nations pledged their governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers. But, it was not until October 24, 1945 that the United Nations officially came to be. After the charter was ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and numerous other signatories. Today, October 24 is the day, we as a world, celebrate United Nations Day.
The mission of the United Nations can best be summed up by the Secretary General; "In larger freedom: towards developement, security, and human rights for all". These are all the things the United Nations stands for, and upholds.
As you walk through the gates of the United Nations Headquarters you are entering international territory. It is an 18 acre area extending from 42nd Street to 48th Street, and from First Ave. to the East River.
This land belongs to all countries, not just one country, all of the countries that have joined the U.N. They have their own postage stamps, as well as conduct daily business in it's six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. There are 191 Member States, 4,500 staff members from nearly 200 countries work at the United Nations.
Helpful information for the visitor:
Admission:
Adults $11.50
Senior Citizens $8.50
Students with Valid ID $7.50
Children btw 5 and 14 years old $6.50
Hours of operation:
Tours are conducted from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday to Friday; Saturday and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
