History Speaks

Egypt and Syria represented Arab countries at the historic "Making of the UN Flag" in 1947

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Members of the General Assembly's Legal Committee displaying the proposed flag for the United Nations.

The United Nations emblem represents "a map of the world representing an azimuthal equidistant projection centered on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree, in gold on a field of smoke-blue with all water areas in white. The projection of the map extends to 60 degrees south latitude, and includes five concentric circles".

The related UN resolution adopted on the reports of the Sixth Committee:

"The General Assembly recognizes that it is desirable to adopt a distinctive flag of the United Nations and to authorize its use and, therefore, Resolves that the flag of the United Nations shall be the official emblem adopted by the General Assembly under the terms of its resolution 92 (I) of 7 December 1946, centered on a light blue background; Directs the Secretary-General to draw up regulations concerning the dimensions and proportions of the flag; Authorizes the Security-General to adopt a flag code, having in mind the desirability of a regulated use of the flag and the protection of its dignity. Ninety-sixth plenary meeting, 20 October 1947"

By Ali Rahmy