The Flag of The United Nations
The flag of the United Nations (UN) features a world map centered on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree. The map is flanked by olive branches on both sides, symbolizing peace. The world map and olive branches are in a light blue color, set against a white background. The projection used for the map is a polar azimuthal equidistant projection. The flag's aspect ratio is 2:3, and the emblem's diameter is two-thirds of the flag's height. The emblem is shifted up one-thirtieth of the flag's height from the exact center.
History of The Flag of The United Nations
The flag of the United Nations was adopted on October 20, 1947. Before the adoption of this flag, the United Nations used a different emblem for its conferences and official documents, which was approved on December 7, 1946. The original design of the emblem was created by Donal McLaughlin, an architect who was one of the designers of the UN Headquarters. The design was intended to represent a map of the world as a symbol of the UN's commitment to peace and its global reach. The map does not display political boundaries, highlighting the UN's focus on unity and cooperation beyond national divisions. The choice of light blue for the emblem and flag background was meant to stand apart from the colors of various national flags, representing neutrality and peace. Over the years, the flag has become a symbol of international peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, flying at UN offices, agencies, and missions around the world. It represents the universal mission of the UN to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress, better living standards, and human rights.