UN for Kids | The United Nations Office at Geneva

A group of children sits in one of the UN meeting rooms, following the programme.

What is the United Nations?

Welcome to the United Nations!

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization, made up of almost all countries in the world. These countries come together to solve their common problems so they can live in peace with each other.

The UN works to:

Keep peace between countries
Help people during emergencies
Protect human rights
Improve people's lives, for example through better education and health
Protect the environment

Find out more about the work of the UN

The UN's big topics - our Iceberg stories

Have you ever asked the big questions, like "what is sustainable development?", "what does migration mean?", "what is climate change?” – it is not easy to understand some of the world's problems and think about their solutions. That's why this series of booklets has been developed: each booklet focuses on a specific topic, such as "gender equality”, "peace" or "human rights" and includes a section of "real heroes”, to help you understand the current and future global challenges. Read and share with others.

Iceberg - what is it about?

More stories

After the rain

After the Rain is a story about migration, about people who move from one country to another. Migration has been happening for many years. Recently it has been in the news a lot. You might be wondering why people cross a dangerous sea in a small boat to get to another country. Some leave to find a job and with a plan to send money to their families. Some go to get education. Others might leave because they have no choice. It is important for all of us to understand their difficulties, so that countries receive them and treat them with respect and kindness.

Fairy Tales for a Fairer World

We only have one planet to live on and it depends on all of us to make sure future generations can use it too. This will only be possible if we all work together. Fairy Tales for a Fairer World takes us on a journey and shows us how working together across generations and across places is the way to go. It's time to redefine partnerships to save the world.

Phantom

In the underwater adventure Phantom, we read about the tragic effect that plastic has on our planet. Phantom, the largest whale in the ocean, can normally overshadow any challenge thanks to his extreme size, but now, even he is struggling to survive in his natural habitat. So much plastic is being dumped into the ocean that is threatening underwater life. Discover how Phantom's friends help stop plastic pollution and what you can do to protect our planet.

Frieda makes a difference

In this book you will learn about 17 Sustainable Development Goals and find tips on what you can do to make a difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. Making a difference starts with you!

Learn more about the UN through games and activities

Be a climate action superhero

Climate change is a menace to our world. Our league of superheroes are taking action now and they want YOU to join them!

Our eight heroes need your help to spread facts about climate change, eat healthier, keep plants happy, and act in more ways to save the world's climate. You can limit global warming and take care of our environment. We count on you!

Join our superheroes on their missions

A graphic with the title "Act now - climate action super hero"

Stop Disasters!

Play Stop Disasters to experience 5 natural environmental hazards (wildfires, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and hurricanes).

Learn of the risks posed by natural hazards and manage your resources. Build schools, hospitals, housing and defences to protect the local population.

Play Stop Disasters!

Go Goals Boardgame

Go Goals can help kids like you from around the world, to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals!

Spread the word on Social Media, use #SDGGame, share and tag yourself in photos and videos of you playing the game. We’d love to feature you playing the game on social media.

Download and play the game!

Children's rights

One of the UN's most important jobs of the UN is to protect children and make sure their rights are respected. Children's rights are human rights, but children have special protection; for example, they have a right to go to school, and they must not work at a young age. UNICEF is an organization that belongs to the UN. It takes care of children's needs and their wellbeing.

Do you know your rights?