The Essential UN
https://www.un.org/en/essential-un/
Take a moment to learn about the UN. The United Nations remains an essential pillar of the international system, working around the world, around the clock, for peace, sustainable development and human rights. At a time when challenges are increasingly global, and our fates are inexorably intertwined, understanding the United Nations itself—its aims, workings and ideals—is more important than ever. The Essential UN website, provides a succinct and interactive way to quickly grasp the essentials of the Organisation through fast facts, short videos, information cards and fun quizzes.
United Nations – Get Involved
https://www.un.org/en/get-involved
The UN Charter starts with “We the peoples.” Work with us, and together we will shape our future. There are many ways to join us and to get involved. You can apply and become a staff member, a volunteer, or an intern. You can connect with us on social media and join the global conversation on the issues facing humanity. You can affiliate your NGO with the UN, or join the UN Global Compact, if you are in the private sector. You can conduct research on the UN, teach courses on the UN, or cover the UN as a journalist.
Digital Media
Artificial intelligence, Video Games, Podcasts, Mobile Apps and more
https://unric.org/en/multimedia-page/
https://unric.org/en/category/united-nations-digital-engagement-hub/
UN Visitor Centre New York – Teach the UN
https://www.un.org/en/teach
Find numerous teaching resources on a range of UN topics specifically tailored for educators and students.
Global Issues on the UN Agenda
https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/
As the world’s only truly universal global organization, the United Nations has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. To its initial goals of safeguarding peace, protecting human rights, establishing the framework for international justice and promoting economic and social progress, in the seven decades since its creation the United Nations has added on new challenges, such as AIDS, big data and climate change. While conflict resolution and peacekeeping continue to be among its most visible efforts, the UN, along with its specialized agencies, is also engaged in a wide array of activities to improve people’s lives around the world – from disaster relief, through education and advancement of women, to peaceful uses of atomic energy. This website offers an overview of some of these issues, and links to other resources, where you can get additional information.
UN Information Service (UNIS) Vienna – Teaching Resources
https://unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/resources/teaching_resources.html
For teachers who want to teach their students about the work and goals of the United Nations, UNIS Vienna has several useful teaching resources available on the following topics: Peace & Security, Development, Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs, and International Law.
Selected Publications Available Online
http://dx.doi.org/10.18356/b985f1a5-en
As the world’s only truly universal global organization, the United Nations has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. This authoritative reference provides a comprehensive introduction and overview of the work of the UN in key areas of international peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, and humanitarian action.
Basic Facts about the United Nations: 42nd edition
http://dx.doi.org/10.18356/2faf3279-en
This comprehensive handbook designed for the general public explains the structure of the United Nations, how the Organization works, the main issues it addresses and its importance for people everywhere. In addition to setting out the various roles played by principle UN organs and related organizations, Basic Facts about the United Nations documents the Organization’s contributions to international peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, humanitarian action, international law and decolonization. Appendices contain current data on UN membership and peacekeeping operations, as well as contact information for UN information centres, services and offices. This latest edition, published in 2017, has been revised to take account of significant developments in the world and the Organization itself since 2014.
United Nations at a Glance (December 2012)
http://dx.doi.org/10.18356/9e9de6c8-en
Why It Matters: 75 Milestones in International Cooperation (October 2020)
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3888284?ln=en
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the Dag Hammarskjöld Library has launched a new annual series entitled “Why it matters”. Each volume will focus on one of the many deliberations of the United Nations. It will provide readers with a comprehensive overview, as well as an insightful backgrounder on the internal workings and the accomplishments of the Organization, backed by selected, credible knowledge sources and research expertise. The first volume in the series, “75 Milestones in International Cooperation”, chronicles pivotal moments that shaped the history of the United Nations and our world over the past 75 years.
Growing Together: Youth and the Work of the United Nations (2008)
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/growing_together.pdf
United Nations Chronicle
https://www.un.org/chronicle
“The Youth Issue” (Vol. XLVII, No. 4, 2010): https://www.un.org/en/issue/393
“Education” (Vol. L, No. 4, 2013): https://www.un.org/en/issue/373
…A must-read for every concerned world citizen, the United Nations Chronicle is a quarterly, easy-to-read report on the work of the United Nations and its agencies. Produced by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, every issue covers a wide range United Nations related activities: from fighting the drug war to fighting racial discrimination, from relief and development to nuclear disarmament, terrorism, and the world-wide environmental crisis.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
In 2015, countries adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In 2016, the Paris Agreement on climate change entered into force, addressing the need to limit the rise of global temperatures. Governments, businesses and civil society together with the United Nations are mobilizing efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda by 2030. Universal, inclusive and indivisible, the Agenda calls for action by all countries to improve the lives of people everywhere. Explore this site to find out more about the efforts of the UN and its partners to build a better world with no one left behind.
Student Resources
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/student-resources/
The materials available on this page are for adults and youth alike – a fun and engaging way to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals and what you can do to take action to make them a reality. Please download and share with your friends!
Resources on the Sustainable Development Goals: Access key resources on UNICEF and the SDGs, including tools to engage children and implementation guidance for countries
https://www.unicef.org/sdgs/resources
‘Go-Goals!’ SDG board game
https://go-goals.org/
To help teach children around the world about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a simple and child-friendly way, the UN Regional Information Centre’s staff in Brussels have launched the ‘Go-Goals!’ SDG board game, aimed principally at children aged 8-10. The game is designed as a do it yourself kit, all you need are a printer, a pair of scissors, some tape or glue, and you can start playing. Available in various languages.
The World’s Largest Lesson
(Founded by Project Everyone, in partnership with UNICEF)
http://worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org/
The World’s Largest Lesson is global initiative aimed at bringing the SDGs to the classroom through lesson plans, videos, comics and other creative content – available freely and in a multitude of languages for educators to download, use or adapt for their classrooms. The inspiration behind the World’s Largest Lesson is that the SDGs must be brought down to local realities if they are to succeed in changing the world for the better by 2030.
Other UN Educational Websites & Programmes
United Nations Website
Model United Nations (MUN)
https://www.un.org/mun/
Model UN simulations engage hundreds of thousands of students each year, helping them to learn more about the principles of the UN and how it functions. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts – including at the UN itself – participated in Model UN as students.
The United Nations supports Model UN simulations by building and maintaining strong links between the UN and Model UN participants. It does this by sharing first-hand knowledge about the work of the UN at Model UN conferences; providing guidance with organizers to create accurate and authentic simulations; and encouraging Model UN clubs to take concrete action to support UN values and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Recognizing the value of Model UN simulations across the globe in engaging young people with the initiatives and goals of the UN and garnering support for international cooperation; the General Assembly adopted Resolution 77/336 on “Model United Nations”
Youth Delegate Programme
https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/un-youth-delegate-programme
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), serves as the focal point for the UN’s work on youth. Within the Department, the Division for Inclusive Social Development, Programme on Youth Unit, coordinates the UN Youth Delegate Programme at the global level. Participation in decision-making is one of the key priority areas of the United Nations agenda on youth. One form of youth participation at the United Nations is through the inclusion of youth delegates in a country’s official delegation to the United Nations General Assembly and various functional Commissions of the Economic and Social Council. It is the responsibility of Member States to establish a youth delegate programme at the national level, and to decide who will represent the young people of their country at the United Nations.
The roles of a youth delegate varies from country to country, but normally includes providing input to their delegation on issues related to youth and participation in their delegation’s work, such as through attending meetings and informal negotiations.
Youth delegates can participate in several intergovernmental meetings at the United Nations. Most official youth delegates participate in the General Assembly, but some also attend functional Commissions of the Economic and Social Council.
UN Office for Disarmament Affairs
Disarmament Education: Inform. Engage. Educate. Empower.
https://www.disarmamenteducation.org/
Expand your knowledge, stay informed, and find diverse resources about a wide range of disarmament issues all in one place.
Youth4Disarmament
https://www.youth4disarmament.org/
Disarmament is at the heart of the system of collective security set out in the United Nations Charter.
The purpose of this system was nothing less than the elimination of war as an instrument of foreign policy “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”.
Disarmament is a tool to help prevent armed conflict and to mitigate its impacts when it occurs. Measures for disarmament are pursued for many reasons, including to maintain international peace and security, uphold the principles of humanity, protect civilians, promote sustainable development, and prevent and end armed conflict.
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme – Education Resources
https://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/7, with a simple and stark aim: to “mobilize civil society for Holocaust remembrance and education, in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide”. The Programme has established a global network of partners and developed versatile initiatives including educational resources, professional development programmes, panel discussions and exhibitions. The Outreach Programme is an expression of the United Nations’ commitment to countering hatred, and to building a world in which everyone can live with dignity and in peace.
Outreach Programme on the Rwanda Genocide and the United Nations – Graphic Novel
https://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/rwanda/graphic-novel.shtml
“Tugire Ubumwe – Let’s Unite!” is designed for a young audience and uses the example of Rwanda to promote respect for diversity and reconciliation.
UN Funds, Programmes & Specialized Agencies
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Children & Youth
https://www.cbd.int/youth/
The Secretariat invites children and youth to take action for the protection of life on Earth. Surf with us and learn how!
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Rural Youth
https://www.fao.org/rural-youth/en
Globally there are 1.2 billion young people between the ages of 15 and 24, 16 percent of the total population and nearly 90 percent of them live in developing countries.Young people are key agents of change, with enormous innovation potential. Working for and with young people and investing in their empowerment is key for prosperous societies and overall inclusive rural transformation.
World Food Day, 16 October – Youth taking action!
https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/youth/en
This website showcases various activities and available resources.
FAO publications with educational resources on a variety of topics
https://tinyurl.com/bdh2akur
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Education and Training
https://www.iaea.org/services/education-and-training
The IAEA offers a wide spectrum of education and training activities. These include face-to-face training courses and workshops, as well as online learning, fellowship programmes and schools on various nuclear-related topics.
Nuclear explained – Discover IAEA’s new series of educational articles
https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/nuclear-explained
The articles and videos on this page offer easy-to-understand explanations of major topics in nuclear science and technology. The many peaceful uses of nuclear technology have a beneficial impact on our everyday lives – from energy production and food security to health care and the protection of the environment.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) – Kids’ Zone
http://kids.imo.org/
“All aboard the IMO kids’ zone” The kid-friendly website includes a specially-commissioned animation showing how IMO works to protect the marine environment and the atmosphere. By clicking on the colourful links, young people can learn more about IMO’s work. Topics include protecting the atmosphere; dealing with waste; clean oceans; invasive species; particularly sensitive sea areas; and protecting marine life from noise pollution.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) – The IMF and Youth
https://www.imf.org/en/About/Partners/Youth
International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Not Just Numbers: An Educational Toolkit about Migration and Asylum in Europe
https://www.iom.int/not-just-numbers-educational-toolkit-about-migration-and-asylum-europe
“Not Just Numbers” is a toolkit about migration and asylum in the European Union produced by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The toolkit has been designed to help teachers and other educators engage young people in informed discussion on this important subject. It is suitable for teaching young people between the ages of 12 and 18 and is available in 24 EU Member States in 20 languages.
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – Human Rights Education and Training
https://www.ohchr.org/en/resources/educators/human-rights-education-training
Human rights can only be achieved through an informed and continued demand by people for their protection. Human rights education promotes values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage all individuals to uphold their own rights and those of others. It develops an understanding of everyone’s common responsibility to make human rights a reality in each community.
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) –
Education and Outreach
https://www.opcw.org/resources/education-and-outreach
Enhancing understanding of the work and mandate of the OPCW through education materials for students, educators, civil society, and policymakers.
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children – Child Participation
https://violenceagainstchildren.un.org/en/child-participation
Participation is one of the four guiding principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines your rights.
The work of the Special Representative places children’s rights at the center, highlighting the role of children as agents of change. Children should be considered equal partners when realizing their right to live free from violence. Because of this, her team develops child-friendly resources, consults with children, explores different ways to amplify the actions led by children, and seeks to engage with them permanently.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Climate Box
http://climate-box.com/
Climate Box is a comprehensive learning toolkit that educates school children about climate change and inspires them to take action. Designed to make learning fun and interesting, the Climate Box provides up-to-date information on climate change with a range of creative tasks, games, quizzes and experiments, as well as resources for teachers/educators.
UNDP Global Youth Space
https://www.sparkblue.org/youth
A vibrant community where you can learn, share, and collaborate. Discover exciting initiatives, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and develop the skills to drive positive change.
Youth Empowerment
https://www.undp.org/governance/open-and-inclusive-public-sphere/youth-empowerment
UNDP, aligned with the UN Youth 2030 Strategy, recognizes youth as key agents of change – driven by a co-creation approach, and working hand-in-hand with young people, governments, civil society, and youth-led networks to build inclusive, resilient societies.
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Teaching about Refugees
https://www.unhcr.org/what-we-do/build-better-futures/education/teaching-about-refugees
This page contains a collection of UNHCR teaching materials on refugees, asylum and migration for primary and secondary education, as well as some guidance for teachers working with refugee children in the classroom.
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP)
https://www.iiep.unesco.org/en/thematic-web-portals
To help educational planners, policy-makers, and experts refine and share their knowledge, IIEP manages the following thematic websites:
- Education4Resilience: More than 800 resources dedicated to building resilience in and through education
- ETICO: Tools, training materials, interactive maps, and strategies to battle corruption
- Health and Education Resource Centre: Resource library and information exchange service to promote better health and well-being for all
- The Learning Portal: Comprehensive, up-to-date information on learning issues, from primary through secondary education
- Planipolis: Education plans and policies, key education frameworks, and monitoring reports from across the globe
- Policy Toolbox: More than 500 policy options that address common educational planning challenges and educational inequality
- SITEAL: Educational policies, statistical information, and research on educational trends in the Latin American region
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – Education transforms lives
https://www.unesco.org/en/education
Education transforms lives and is at the heart of UNESCO’s mission to build peace, eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development. It is a human right for all throughout life. The Organization is the only United Nations agency with a mandate to cover all aspects of education. It has been entrusted to lead the Global Education 2030 Agenda through Sustainable Development Goal 4.
UNESCO provides global and regional leadership in education, strengthens education systems worldwide and responds to contemporary global challenges through education with gender equality as an underlying principle. Its work encompasses quality educational development from pre-school to higher education and beyond.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Campaigns
https://www.unep.org/get-involved
Protecting the planet is everyone’s responsibility. Get involved. Invest in a better future.
Current campaigns: Beat Pollution, Breath Life, Champions of the Earth, Clean Seas, Lead Paint, Think.Eat.Save, Wild for life, World Environment Day.
Youth, education and environment
https://www.unep.org/topics/youth-education-and-environment
UNEP is working with major university networks and partners such as the Scout Movement and the gaming industry to support their communities of millions of young people to learn and act in support of the environment. This newly design programme also seeks to inspire the next generation of young leaders by offering them programmes to participate in, courses to learn from in addition to exploring how a new era of Green Collar Jobs for youth can be created.
Young Champions of the Earth
https://www.unep.org/youngchampions/
Young Champions of the Earth is a forward-looking prize designed to breathe life into the ambitions of brilliant young environmentalists. Each year, six young people – one from each global region – will be named Young Champions of the Earth. These winners receive seed funding, intensive training, and tailored mentorship to help them bring their big environmental ideas to life.
Ozone Secretariat – Education Portal
https://ozone.unep.org/education-portal
The ozone layer is an invisible shield above the Earth’s surface, protecting us, and all life on earth from harmful UV radiation. In the 1980s, scientists discovered a harmful hole in the ozone layer. It was caused by chemicals and gases known as ozone depleting substances which were found in almost everything – from aerosol cans to the soles of your shoes! Scientists, policy makers and governments worked together, to control and phase out ozone depleting substances. And it worked! The hole in the ozone layer is healing, but we have to keep at it. This Education Platform has been designed as a resource for teachers to help engage their students around the ozone layer. Together, let’s work to inspire the next generation to keep protecting the ozone layer!
Ozone Secretariat – Reset Earth education platform
https://ozone.unep.org/reset-earth-education-resources
Reset Earth is a global campaign run by the UNEP Ozone Secretariat to educate the next generation about the dangers our world faces due to ozone depletion and what we can do to fix it. We’ve made incredible progress so far with scientists, policymakers and governments working together and taking urgent steps to control and phase out ozone-depleting substances. However, we still have a long way to go before the damage is completely undone.
United Nations Climate Change (UNFCCC)
#Climattitude campaign
https://offset.climateneutralnow.org/climatequiz
UN Climate Change has launched a new campaign to encourage all types of climate action, no matter how big or small, on the part of citizens around the world.
A central element of the #Climattitude campaign is a fun quiz, which allows users to discover their own personal climate footprint making use of the UN carbon footprint calculator.
YOUNGO
https://unfccc.int/topics/action-for-climate-empowerment-children-and-youth/youth/youngo
YOUNGO is the official children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). YOUNGO is a vibrant, global network of children and youth activists (up to 35 years) as well as youth NGOs, who contribute to shaping the intergovernmental climate change policies and strive to empower children and youth to formally bring their voices to the UNFCCC processes.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – U-Report
https://www.u-report.org/
U-Report was created by UNICEF, the United Nations agency dedicated to protecting children’s rights. It’s UNICEF’s community for young people, by young people, where you can raise your voice on issues that matter to you, get trusted information and take action in your community.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Education for Justice
http://www.unodc.org/e4j/
The Education for Justice (E4J) initiative seeks to prevent crime and promote a culture of lawfulness through education activities designed for primary, secondary and tertiary levels. These activities help educators teach the next generation to better understand and address problems that can undermine the rule of law and encourage students to actively engage in their communities and future professions in this regard. A set of products and activities for the primary and secondary levels is being developed in partnership with UNESCO.
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) – Information for Students
http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/informationfor/students.html
On this page is listed all information of relevance to students, including on the Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education, fellowships and internships within the Office.
Universal Postal Union (UPU) – International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People
https://www.upu.int/en/universal-postal-union/outreach-campaigns/international-letterwriting-competition-for-young-people
Since 1971, the UPU has encouraged young writers aged 9-15 to write letters on a given theme to win exciting prizes. The competition is an excellent way of making young people aware of the important role postal services play in our societies. It develops their skills in composition and their ability to express thoughts clearly. It also fosters enjoyment of letter writing and helps strengthen the bonds of international friendship.
World Food Programme (WFP)
Freerice: The World Food Programme’s new Youth Hub
https://freerice.com/
After more than 10 years, Freerice is growing up! That’s because the World Food Programme’s popular philanthropic trivia game is more than just a fun platform for testing your knowledge and earning rice grains. Freerice is now a Youth Hub aimed at building a community of Hunger Heroes and empowering young people around the world through digital storytelling, a volunteering program, downloadable resources and more.
School feeding
https://www.wfp.org/school-meals
WFP’s mission is to ensure that all school aged children have access to school meals and are healthy and ready to learn.
World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO Youth Engagement
https://www.wipo.int/en/web/youth-engagement
Welcome to our virtual hub for young creators and innovators. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, inventor, or simply someone with a burning passion to make a difference, you’ve come to the right place.
World Trade Organization (WTO) – Students and young professionals
http://www.wto.org/english/forums_e/students_e/students_e.htm
Explore this page to find out more about the work of the WTO, opportunities for students and young professionals, and how trade is relevant to you and your country.
UN Observances
Fact sheets, background material and other related information resources can also be found on the website for UN observances declared by the General Assembly: https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-days-and-weeks
Following please find a selection of International Days focusing on children and youth:
24 January – International Day of Education
https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/education
11 February – International Day of Women and Girls in Science
https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day/
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/women-girls-science
23 April – World Book and Copyright Day [UNESCO]
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-book-and-copyright
fourth Thursday of April – International Girls in ICT Day [ITU]
https://www.itu.int/women-and-girls/girls-in-ict/
15 May – International Day of Families
https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-families
https://social.desa.un.org/issues/family/international-day-of-families-15-may
4 June – International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
https://www.un.org/en/observances/child-victim-day
11 June – International Day of Play
https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-play
12 June – World Day Against Child Labour
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-day-against-child-labour
https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/child-labour/world-day-against-child-labour
15 July – World Youth Skills Day
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-youth-skills-day
25 July – International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent
https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-girls-african-descent
12 August – International Youth Day
https://www.un.org/en/observances/youth-day
https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/international-youth-day-main
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/youth
5 October – World Teachers’ Day
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/teachers
11 October – International Day of the Girl Child
https://www.un.org/en/observances/girl-child-day
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/girl-child
18 November – World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence
https://www.un.org/en/observances/child-sexual-exploitation-prevention-and-healing-day
20 November – World Children’s Day
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-childrens-day
https://www.unicef.org/world-childrens-day
Further information is often available on the websites of UNICEF’s national committees: https://www.unicef.org/unicef-national-committees
Social Media
The UN on Social Media
https://www.un.org/en/get-involved/social-media
This site lists the official UN Social Media accounts.
UNRIC Social Media
https://unric.org/en/unric-social-media-in-your-language/
The UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC) provides social media updates in 13 languages.
not an official document – for information only
https://unric.org/en/unric-library-backgrounder-educational-resources/