Top 10 United Nations Logos – UN Logo Design Inspiration

Top 10 United Nations Logos – UN Logo Design Inspiration

The United Nations logo represents one of the most recognisable and meaningful symbols in global diplomacy.

The official UN emblem, introduced in 1945, features a world map surrounded by olive branches — a visual expression of peace, unity, and international cooperation.

Designed by Donal McLaughlin, the symbol was conceived during the founding conference of the United Nations to reflect neutrality and universality, transcending borders and political divides.

Over the decades, the UN’s visual identity has inspired numerous affiliated agencies, such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization, each adapting the parent logo’s map-and-olive motif to express their unique missions.

Examining these United Nations logos reveals how thoughtful design effectively communicates the values of hope, solidarity, and humanitarian purpose — lessons that continue to inspire designers working in the non-profit and global advocacy sectors today.

Top 10 Best United Nations Logos

1: The United Nations Logo

The iconic logo of the United Nations was created in 1945 by a team of designers during the United Nations Conference on International Organization. The team was led by Oliver Lincoln Lundquist, an American architect who had previously worked at the 1939 New York World's Fair.

The design features a world map as a circular projection surrounded by olive branches. The branches form a wreath, which symbolises peace. Using an azimuthal median forecast for the world map emphasises unity and equality between nations.

The logo is rendered in just two colours – the light blue of the map representing peace and the white of the surrounding wreath connoting purity. This simple two-tone colour scheme was chosen intentionally to make reproduction uncomplicated in the days before colour printing was widespread.

Since its creation, the UN logo has universally represented the global institution and its multifaceted operations. It aims to evoke ideals of unity, security, dignity for all people, and peaceful international relations. The wreath of olive branches and the calm blue hue reflect these lofty ambitions.

The iconic design has been incorporated into the logos of various UN agencies and programs over the decades. This includes famous bodies like UNICEF, UNESCO, UNHCR, FAO, WHO, UNDP and many more. The consistency of using elements of the UN emblem ties these organisations visually to the global entity and its ideals.

Almost 80 years after its design, the UN logo remains one of the most recognisable symbols worldwide. Lundquist's simple but thoughtfully crafted image continues to visually represent the United Nations, its vision and its worldwide mission.

2: The World Health Organization Logo

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting global public health. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO was established on April 7, 1948, and is the successor to the Health Organization of the League of Nations.

With its unique mandate to direct and coordinate international health efforts, the WHO is leading in monitoring health trends, shaping research priorities, setting health standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and assessing health technologies. The WHO is governed by the World Health Assembly, which comprises representatives from the WHO's 194 member states.

The WHO logo features a map of the world enclosed in a circle, with a Rod of Asclepius symbol superimposed over the map. The Rod of Asclepius, a snake coiled around a staff, is an ancient Greek symbol of medicine and healing. This iconic imagery underscores the WHO's global reach and health-focused mission. The full name of the organisation appears next to the logo.

Since its establishment, the WHO has spearheaded efforts to eradicate diseases, promote universal health coverage, improve access to essential medicines, monitor outbreaks, coordinate responses to health emergencies, and advance health equity. Key initiatives include vaccination campaigns, tobacco control, essential medicines programs, and the International Health Regulations for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

With thousands of expert staff worldwide, regional and country offices, and partnerships across the public and private sectors, the WHO remains committed to building a healthier future for people worldwide. As new health challenges emerge in the 21st century, the WHO continues to adapt and evolve to safeguard global health security.

3: The World Food Programme Logo

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organisation focused on hunger and food security. Established in 1961, the WFP's mission is to save and change lives by delivering food assistance during emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

Headquartered in Rome, Italy, with offices in over 80 countries, WFP is the United Nations food assistance arm. On average, WFP reaches over 90 million people annually and provides food assistance in around 80 countries.

WFP focuses on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid, and special operations. In emergencies, WFP delivers food to where it is needed, saving lives in areas affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other crises. After the emergency passes, WFP helps communities rebuild shattered lives and livelihoods. It also has projects that help prevent hunger by improving food security and nutrition.

WFP is funded entirely by voluntary donations from governments, businesses, foundations and individuals. It is the largest humanitarian organisation in the world focused on hunger and food security. In 2020, the WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts in combating hunger and contributing to peace during crises.

The WFP logo features an image of a hand clasping stalks of wheat and maize, surrounded by laurel leaves, similar to the UN logo. This represents WFP's mission to provide food and nutritional support to vulnerable communities. The simple, minimalist iconography aims to convey the humanitarian spirit of the organisation.

Under the image is the short name “WFP” in bold letters, with the full name “World Food Programme” beside it. The logo evokes WFP's goal to take swift, meaningful action to nourish and uplift the world's hungry.

4: The International Monetary Fund Logo

In 1944, representatives from 44 countries gathered at Bretton Woods to create a plan for the post-World War II economic order. Their main goal was to prevent the recurrence of policies that could lead to further conflict.

They established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to promote international monetary cooperation. Since its founding, the IMF has worked to maintain stability in the global financial system, enabling exchange rates and payments to facilitate trade between countries.

The organisation also promotes high employment, sustainable economic development, and poverty reduction worldwide. It is governed by and accountable to its 189 member countries.

The IMF logo features two overlapping hemispheres of a globe surrounded by a circle. This design element symbolises the IMF's expansive reach and role in global financial oversight. With nearly all United Nations member countries, the IMF's universal involvement is aptly represented by these interconnected hemispheres, highlighting its dedication to monitoring global financial trends.

The shield shape symbolises heraldic achievement, representing the IMF's longstanding tradition and history in the financial world. Olive leaves below the globe represent how the IMF's lending process, like the olive fruit, requires time and strict conditions to bear fruit. Such imagery signifies the careful and deliberate nature of the IMF's financial assistance programs, crucial to fostering global economic stability.

The organisation's name is written around the shield, reinforcing its authority and presence in international finance. In contrast to the typical United Nations light blue, the stark black-and-white colour scheme of the logo underscores the serious, bottom-line focus typical of financial institutions, further emphasising the IMF's authoritative role.

5: The Human Rights Council Logo

The United Nations Human Rights Council is a prominent intergovernmental body established in 2006 to promote and protect human rights worldwide. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Council consists of 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly for staggered 3-year terms.

The genesis of the Human Rights Council traces back to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which was criticised in the early 2000s for being politicised and ineffective in its mandate. After extensive negotiations, the Commission was replaced by the Human Rights Council on March 15, 2006, through UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251.

On June 18, 2007, exactly one year after its inaugural meeting, the Council adopted its iconic logo and motto, “Human Rights for all.” The logo features the UN emblem of a world map framed by olive branches, with the words “Human Rights Council” in blue font circling the top. This mirrors the distinctive style of other UN bodies, with the Council's specialised focus clear through its bold name.

Over the past 15 years, the Human Rights Council has emerged as a leading force in promoting human rights through investigations, monitoring, reporting, and recommendations to address human rights violations. However, its membership and agenda continue to face criticisms over perceived bias, selectivity, and politicisation. The Council remains at the forefront of international efforts to uphold universal human rights principles.

6: United Nations Environment Programme Logo

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in June 1972 due to the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm that same year. This conference, also known as the Stockholm Conference, marked the first major international meeting bringing together governments and experts to discuss global environmental issues.

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP is the leading global environmental authority within the United Nations system. Its mission is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

The UNEP logo features a human figure cradled inside a circle, symbolising the organisation's global reach and impact. The laurel leaves echo the UN emblem, while the acronym UN and the words “Environment Programme” clearly identify the agency's name and mission. The minimalist, abstract design reflects UNEP's broad mandate to address environmental issues across geographical and political boundaries.

Over 50 years since its creation, UNEP continues to lead international efforts to preserve the planet's and its inhabitants' health. UNEP works to catalyse action and implement solutions to the world's most pressing environmental challenges through its research, advocacy and partnerships.

7: The International Labor Organization Logo

The International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded in 1919, emerging from 19th-century labour and social justice movements that demanded improved living standards and rights for workers worldwide. In 1946, the ILO became a specialised agency of the United Nations. With 45 member countries in 1919, ILO membership has grown to 121 nations.

The ILO has three main objectives:

1. Setting international labour standards through conventions and recommendations.
2. Providing technical assistance to help developing countries implement these standards and improve workplace conditions.
3. Conducting research, training, and publications to advance expertise in labour issues globally.

A key aspect of the ILO, unique within the United Nations system, is its tripartite structure. This framework ensures that governments, employers' organisations, and workers' organisations have an equal voice in shaping labour standards and policies. This collaborative approach is fundamental to the ILO's operations, as it promotes social dialogue and ensures that real-world perspectives from the workplace are directly integrated into its work.

This governing structure is directly reflected in the symbolism of its logo. The three interconnected cogs represent the three distinct groups —government, employers, and workers —working in unison. The design visually communicates the idea that industrial progress and social justice are achieved through the coordinated efforts of all social partners, a core principle of the organisation since its inception.

The ILO logo features three interlocking cogwheels representing machinery, with the organization's initials inscribed inside them. The cogwheels symbolise factories and the everyday objects found within, reflecting the ILO's mission to promote decent workplaces and labour rights. Like other UN logos, the ILO version includes laurel leaves. The full name is placed next to the iconography. The colour is slightly darker than the standard UN blue.

8: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Logo

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), originally called the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, was established in 1946 as a UN program to provide humanitarian aid to children in countries devastated by World War II. After the post-war medical and food crises subsided, UNICEF continued helping vulnerable children worldwide.

During the 1970s, UNICEF expanded its role as an advocate for children's rights. In the 1980s, UNICEF assisted the UN Commission on Human Rights in drafting the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Ratified in 1989, the Convention became the most widely adopted human rights treaty in history. UNICEF played a pivotal role in promoting its implementation.

The visual identity of UNICEF has undergone significant evolution to reflect its changing mandate. The original logo, created in 1946, featured a simple drawing of a child drinking a cup of milk, which directly communicated its initial emergency mission to feed children in post-war Europe. This emblem was effective in its time but became limiting as the organisation's scope expanded beyond immediate relief efforts.

In 2001, UNICEF underwent a major rebranding and introduced the logo used today. The design shifted from the literal depiction of aid to a more abstract and universal symbol of a parent and child. This change was strategic, repositioning UNICEF from a relief charity to a global advocate for the rights and well-being of every child. The updated identity, often accompanied by the tagline “for every child,” was designed to be more modern and to transcend cultural barriers, conveying a universal message of care, protection, and hope.

UNICEF's logo features a globe depicting a parent tenderly holding a child, representing the organisation's mission. Olive branches, a symbol of peace and hope, frame the world. The name “UNICEF” appears in lowercase lettering to the left. The iconic logo succinctly conveys UNICEF's identity as a worldwide compassionate protector and champion of children.

9: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) logo stands out from other UN human rights organisations through its distinctive design.

Unlike other logos, which often incorporate a globe, the OHCHR logo features a bold, stylised flame. This element symbolises the agency's commitment to safeguarding human rights and the enduring spirit of humanity.

Additionally, while the familiar laurel leaves from the United Nations emblem are present, the OHCHR logo opts for a striking black-and-white colour scheme. This monochrome palette underscores the gravity with which the office approaches human rights issues, distinguishing it further from other UN logos that may use more varied or subdued colours.

The logo's unique elements reflect the organisation's independent stance and focused mission within the UN framework.

10: International Maritime Organization Logo

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), formerly the Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organization, is a United Nations specialised agency responsible for improving maritime safety and security and preventing pollution from ships.

In the mid-19th century, following the implementation of certain maritime safety treaties, a growing need emerged for an international regulatory body. This need took shape after the founding of the UN in 1945, and in 1948, the Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organization was established in Geneva.

In 1982, the organisation was renamed the International Maritime Organization.

The IMO logo features the initials of the organisation's name. The designer incorporated the UN logo inside the letter “O” to represent the IMO's relationship with the UN.

Two intersecting anchors, linked by a chain, surround the UN logo, relating to the IMO's maritime safety and security objectives. Laurel leaves a common motif in UN logos, encircling the anchors and the UN logo. The full name of the organisation is written next to its initials.

Other Notable UN Logos

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded in 1945. It was established on the principle that political and economic agreements are insufficient to build lasting peace; peace must be founded on humanity's moral and intellectual solidarity. Its purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, culture, and communication.

UNESCO's logo is one of the most distinct within the UN family. It features a depiction of a classical-style temple, modelled after the Parthenon in Athens. This powerful symbol represents the foundations of human civilisation, knowledge, and culture. The six columns of the temple originally represented the organisation's primary areas of focus. The entire emblem is contained within the UN's olive branches, visually linking its specialised mission to the broader UN goal of achieving world peace through mutual respect and shared heritage.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Established in 1957, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is widely known as the world's “Atoms for Peace” organisation. It was created in response to the very real fears and expectations generated by the discovery of nuclear energy. The agency has a dual mission: to promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, and to verify that nuclear materials are not diverted for military purposes.

The IAEA logo directly communicates this mission. At its centre is a representation of the Rutherford-Bohr model of an atom, showing electrons in orbit around a central nucleus. This scientific symbol clearly identifies the agency's focus on the atomic realm. This central element is framed by the familiar olive branches of the United Nations. The combination of the atom and the peace wreath powerfully conveys the IAEA's core objective of harnessing atomic power exclusively for peaceful, beneficial purposes for all humankind.

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Key Messages: Your Brand's First Impression

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Differentiation Pillars: Setting Your Brand Apart

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Conclusion

The United Nations logo has become a globally recognised symbol of international cooperation and peace. As we've seen, its design has evolved over the years, with variations in colour, shape, and symbology. Yet certain key elements remain – the global projection, the olive branches, and the world map.

The logos of UN agencies also aim to encapsulate their missions and values through thoughtful design. Each symbol provides visual insight into the organisation's purpose, from the globe and wheat sheaves of the FAO to the atoms of the IAEA. The same holds for initiatives like UNICEF, UNITAR, and UNHCR, whose logos have become globally recognised.

In surveying the top 10 United Nations logos, it's clear how impactful graphic design can be. An organisation's visual identity makes an immediate impression and helps convey its principles. The UN's logos are more than just symbols – they reflect deeper meanings about our shared human experience.

As the UN continues its essential work worldwide, one hopes its logos will remain compelling expressions of its vision of global unity.