“My first encounter with Friends of the U.N. dates back to the mid-80s, when the United Nations’ standing with the U.S. government and the publicat large was at an historic low. ... Friends of the U.N.’s dynamic initiatives aimed at renewing American commitment to the world organization could not have been more timely or more helpful.”

- Michael Stopford, former Director, U.N. Information Center.

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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.