UNITED NATIONS LOGO

Using the language of symbols, the logo of the United Nations states the mission of the
intergovernmental organization focusing on promoting peace and international cooperation.

MEANING AND HISTORY

The history of the emblem started during the UN Conference on International Organization in
1945. The logotype was created by a group of people headed by Oliver Lincoln Lundquist, a
well-known architect and industrial designer.
Both the original logo and the current one feature a map of the world as seen from the North
Pole. In the first version, the projection of the map extends to the 40th parallel south, while
the current projection extends to 60th parallel south and includes 5 concentric circles. The
revised emblem was approved by the Assembly in 1946.
The meaning of the design seems to be perfectly clear. While the olive wreath is an ancient
symbol of peace, the map is the indication of the organization’s desire to extend its influence
to the whole world.
 SYMBOLS OF OTHER UN FAMILY MEMBERS

There are several organizations working under the UN umbrella. Logos of some of them
incorporate the United Nations logo, while others have a completely different brand identity.
For instance, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) logo features the familiar globe
and laurel wreath, as well as the iconic combination of light blue and white, while the United
Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights only takes the olive branches.

EMBLEM AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES

Like many other logotypes, that of the UN has been accused of having a sinister hidden
meaning. Take, for instance, the fact that the map projection is given as if it was seen from
the North. The New Jerusalem, where the Antichrist will supposedly rule, is situated “on the
sides of the north.” Conspiracy theorists also find other signs that the emblem actually
symbolizes the Northern Army conquering the world before the Antichrist comes to rule it.
They don’t actually explain whether it makes any difference which army in particular will
conquer the world.

FLAG

The flag is based on the emblem, which is placed right at its centre. The emblem itself is
given in white, in its regular version, while the background is light blue. The proportions are
typically 2:3 or 3:5 (width and length respectively). The size of the emblem is a half of the
width of the flag.

FONT
While neither the UN logo nor the flag feature any text, the organization’s official web
resource has the words “United Nations” written in a simple, perfectly legible sans serif type.

COLOURS

The official palette of the organization includes only two colours: white and light blue (PMS
279). Although the UN claim the colours don’t actually have any symbolic meaning, it is
obvious that the combination is most often perceived as the colours of the clear sky (and the
clouds), which is often considered a symbol of peace. The organization has mentioned though
that it was chosen as the opposite of red, the war colour.
While the flag features white and light blue, the emblem itself is typically given in gold
against the white background.