UN flag: symbolism and color

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:43

The UN is one of the largest interstate coalitions that was organized after the end of World War II. Like any other organization, it has the UN flag, that is, the official emblem. What is special about this symbol of an international organization? What do the color and tree on the flag mean?

When was the UN's official emblem adopted?

Today, the emblem and flag of the UN are among the official symbols. The photo offered to our readers for viewing will allow us to understand in more detail all the components of this official attribute. But let's start from the beginning - with a historical digression.

The UN flag begins its history from the moment when the activities of the employees involved in the development of the emblem of the Conference in San Francisco were organized. The organizers of the meeting wanted to create a distinctive sign for all participants, so that it would be possible to easily distinguish between ordinary visitors and official delegates. This was of key importance, since it was at this international symposium that the first UN Charter was adopted.

The United States was represented by a delegate - Edward Stettinius, who served as Secretary of State. Seeing the emblem, he came to the conclusion that this image could become the officialsymbols of the international coalition. This initiative led to the creation of a committee that included Oliver Landquist. It was he who transformed the emblem of the Conference in California, invented by Donal McLaughlin. 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 embody the very concept of this association. In particular, the developers made an attempt to convey in blue the opposite of the military color, which was indicated by the red flag. The exact shade of blue has never been officially fixed, but the original choice fell on Pantone 279. Therefore, the question of what color the UN flag should be did not arise. The original UN flag, designed in 1946, had a gray-blue tint, so it was very different from its modern counterpart.

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

Insignia

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, has been modified over time. Initially, the globe model was depicted as an azimuth projection. In particular, the main emphasis was placed on the North Pole with the dominant central position of the United States. Howeverin this option, the design of the South Pole was excluded, in particular, all countries located below Argentina.

The current UN flag has been revised so that no country dominates, because all states are equal. Now the image of the globe has been divided exactly in half using the Prime Meridian and the Timeline of Demarcation.

What do olive branches stand for?

The olive tree on the UN flag is depicted for a reason, but has a specific meaning. In particular, in Western culture, the olive branch symbolizes peace and goodwill. Thus, the idea, laid down by the author of the flag in color, was continued - “No to war”. In addition, it is in this emblem that the concept of the most international organization is laid - the representation of all people and the protection of their interests and rights.

Where can UN symbols be used?

Today, the official flag of the UN can be safely used and flown in order to support the activities of any organization. However, according to a resolution that was adopted in 1947, it is strictly forbidden to use the UN flag and emblem for commercial purposes. This ban was intended to prevent abuse by some citizens.

But still there is a mechanism that allows you to use the official symbols of the UN. To bring this idea to life, anyone can write a letter to the General Secretary of this international coalition, justifyingthe need to use the flag and emblem. If permission is not granted, the image may not be used.

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

The International Organization of the United Nations helps to balance the recently shaken situation in the world. The organization adopts various programs aimed at resolving global threats to humanity, including terrorism and wars.