“You have created a great instrument for peace and security and human progress in the world. The world must now use it! If we fail to use it, we shall betray all those who have died in order that we might meet here in freedom and safety to create it. If we seek to use it selfishly - for the advantage of any one nation or any small group of nations - we shall be equally guilty of that betrayal. The successful use of this instrument will require the united will and firm determination of the free peoples who have created it. The job will tax the moral strength and fiber of us all. We all have to recognize - no matter how great our strength - that we must deny ourselves the license to do always what we please. No one nation, no regional group, can or should expect, any special privilege which harms any other nation. If any nation would keep security tor itself, it must be ready and willing to share security with all. That is the price which each nation will have to pay for world peace. Unless we are all willing to pay that price, no organi/ation for world peace can accomplish its purpose.”

- Harry S. Truman, addressing the United Nations Conference on international organization.
June 26, 1945

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Our Mission

Founded in 1985, Friends of the United Nations (FOTUN) is an independent, non-partisan, organization dedicated to promoting the principles and values of the United Nations Charter and increasing awareness of its activities.

Our mission is to encourage individuals and organizations to leam about UN's efforts and be inspired to help the UN achieve its goals.

Friends of the United Nations works with educational institutions, corporations, the media, governments and non-governmental organizations to inform and educate people about United Nations efforts on behalf of peace, human rights and human health, children, the environment and sustainable development.

Through our expansive network of resources, we help the UN distribute its message and keep critical issues in focus by:

  • Organizing briefings about the UN activities for opinion-makers and helping UN agencies develop outreach programs
  • Informing and educating the general public about UN programs and initiatives
  • Connecting individuals and non-govemmental organizations (NGOs) with the United Nations
  • Supporting the UN's International Day of Tolerance on the 16th of November annually
  • Developing curriculum materials for high schools and universities
  • Developing a relationship between the media and the entertainment industries to circulate the Secretary-General's and other UN messages out to a wider audience
  • Organizing programs and activities in support of the United Nations International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (link to section)
  • Helping other organizations develop UN support programs
  • Produce information about United Nations accomplishments
  • Organize annual Tolerance and Human Rights Awards ceremonies at the United Nations (link to accomplishments section)
  • Creating support and participation in UN global conferences

The Friends of the United Nations is a non-govemmental organization accredited to the United Nations Department of Public Information and is an affiliate of the UNA-USA Council of organizations. It is a nonprofit tax exempt (501 C-3) organization. Contributions are tax deductible.