UN flag: symbols and color

The UN is one of the largest inter-state coalitions that was organized after the end of the Second World War. Like any other organization, it has the UN flag, that is, the official emblem. What is the peculiarity of this symbol of an international organization? What do the colors and tree mean on the flag?

When was the official UN emblem adopted?

To date, the official symbolism includes the coat of arms and the UN flag. The photo offered to our readers for viewing will allow us to understand in more detail all the constituent parts of this official attribute. But let's start from the beginning - with a historical excursion.

The flag of the United Nations begins its history from the moment when the activity of the staff, engaged in the development of the emblem of the Conference in San Francisco, was organized. The organizers of the meeting wanted to create a distinctive sign of all the participants, so that ordinary visitors could be easily distinguished from official delegates. This was of key importance, since it was at this international symposium that the first UN Charter was adopted .

From the US, a delegate was introduced - Edward Stettinius, who served as Secretary of State. Having seen the emblem, he came to the opinion that this image can become the official symbol of the international coalition. Thanks to this initiative, a committee was created, which included Oliver Landquist. It was he who transformed the emblem of the Conference in California, coined by Donal MacLaughlin. The official approval of this attribute occurred in December 1946.

What does the color of the UN flag mean?

When developing the symbols of an international organization, first of all they tried to translate the very concept of this association. In particular, the developers attempted to convey in blue the opposite of the military color, which was designated by the red flag. The exact shade of blue was never officially fixed, but initially the choice fell on Pantone 279. Therefore, the question of what color the UN flag should be, did not arise. Initially, the UN flag, developed in 1946, had a blue-gray tint, so it was strikingly different from its modern counterpart.

The second primary color is white. According to sources, there is no official interpretation of what the colors of the emblem designate. Therefore, it remains only to speculate and make assumptions.

Mark of distinction

The UN flag is a blue rectangular canvas, which, in addition to the official color, has an additional image located in the central part. This emblem, as well as the color shade, was modified after a while. Initially, the model of the globe was depicted in the form of azimuth design. In particular, the main emphasis was placed on the North Pole with the dominant US central position. However, in this variant, the design of the South Pole was excluded, in particular all countries located below Argentina.

The UN's modern flag has been revised in such a way that no country takes a dominant position, because all states are equal. Now the image of the globe was divided exactly in half with the help of the Main meridian and the Demarcation time line .

What do olive branches stand for?

The olive tree on the flag of the UN is depicted not just so, but has a concrete meaning. In particular, in Western culture, the olive branch symbolizes peace and benevolence. Thus, the thought was continued by the author of the flag in color execution, "There is no war". In addition, it is in this emblem that the concept of the international organization itself is laid-the representation of all people and the protection of their interests and rights.

Where can UN symbols be used?

To date, the official flag of the United Nations can be safely used and hung out to support the activities of an organization. However, according to the resolution that was adopted in 1947, it is strictly forbidden to use the flag and the UN emblem for commercial purposes. This ban was aimed at preventing abuse by some citizens.

But still there is a mechanism that allows using the official UN symbolism. To implement this idea, any person can write a letter to the Secretary General of this international coalition, having justified the necessity of using the flag and emblem. If the permission is not issued, then the use of the image is prohibited.

It is officially established that the UN emblem is used on the blue berets of the peacekeeping forces, as well as participants in charitable and humanitarian missions, in particular, in Nepal and Bougainville.

The United Nations International Organization makes it possible to balance the deteriorating situation in the world in the recent past. Within the framework of the organization, various programs are being adopted aimed at resolving global threats to humanity, including terrorism and wars.