UNA-USA History
Founded in 1943, UNA-USA emerged from a dedicated group of Americans aiming to secure peace after World War II. The organization played a crucial role in shaping the UN Charter, its US Congressional ratification, and has been influential in the US-UN relationship since the UN’s inception.
Eleanor Roosevelt, after retiring as the US Ambassador to the UN General Assembly in 1953, volunteered to boost UNA-USA’s national membership. Until her death in 1962, she tirelessly promoted the UN across the country, leaving a legacy of UNA-USA chapters nationwide.
UNA-USA has a history of contributing to global thought leadership, from pioneering UN reform research to fostering citizen diplomacy during the Cold War. The organization remains vital in addressing key UN system challenges.
In 2011, UNA-USA merged with the United Nations Foundation, creating the world’s largest network of UN advocates. This collaboration combines grassroots strength, public outreach, advocacy resources, and global convening power to enhance the impact of both organizations.
