UN Background and History
The United Nations is the intergovernmental organization (IGO) that facilitates cooperation on international law, security, economic development, social progress, and human rights issues. There are currently 193 member states and 2 observer states that make up the membership of the UN. The UN is divided into the General Assembly (the main deliberative body), the Security Council (which deals with matters of peace and security), the Economic and Social Council (which promotes economic and social cooperation and development), the Secretariat (which provides studies, information, and facilities needed by the UN), and the International Court of Justice.
Below, you'll find links and information related to the administration, organization, and work of the United Nations.
Major UN Programs
UN Specialized Agencies
Autonomous Organizations Associated with the UN
(UCSB Library owns various publications from the organizations below)
UN Publications
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United Nations Digital Library This link opens in a new window
Incorporates open access digital content, mainly official UN documents and selected UN maps, as well as speech and voting records. Content is organized into collections (by UN body, agency, and type of document), and links between related documents (draft resolutions, committee reports, meeting records, final resolutions, voting records, documents issued under a specific agenda item).
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United Nations Official Document System This link opens in a new window
Covers all types of official United Nations documentation. Provides access to the resolutions of the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council and the Trusteeship Council (1946 onwards). Does not contain press releases, UN sales publications, the United Nations Treaty Series or information brochures issued by the Department of Public Information.
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UNdataAuthoritative compilation of United Nations and agency statistics, covering economic, environmental, social, financial and development topics, continuously updated.
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Yearbook of the United NationsThe authoritative reference work on the UN System