“Our instrument and our hope is the United Nations - and I see little merit in the impatience of those who would abandon this imperfect world instrument because they dislike our imperfect world. For the troubles of a world organization merely reflect the troubles of the world itself. And if the organization is weakened, these troubles can only increase. We may not always agree with every detailed action taken by every officer of the world itself. And if the organization is weakened, these troubles can only increase. We may not always agree with every detailed action taken by every officer of the United Nations, or with every voting majority, but as an institution, it should have in the future, as it has had in the past, since its inception, no stronger or more faithful member than the United States of America.”

- John F. Kennedy, addressing United Nations General Assembly.
State of the Union Address, January 11,1962

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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.