The History of the United Nations Flag and What Its Symbols Represent

You have seen the United Nations flag countless times in news footage, at peacekeeping missions, and behind world leaders at major summits. That light-blue banner is the United Nations flag, and it is more than a backdrop.

Every element of this flag’s design carries meaning, and how it is displayed matters more than most people realize. In this blog, we will walk you through where the United Nations flag came from, what its flag symbols represent, and how it is commonly displayed alongside international flags.

United Nations Flag Meaning at a Glance

At first glance, the design looks simple: a light-blue field and a white emblem. But each element was chosen with care.

Here is a quick guide to the flag symbols:

• The light-blue field signals neutrality and calm, avoiding colors closely tied to any one nation.
• The white emblem shows a world map surrounded by olive branches.
• The map represents a global scope, with national borders not emphasized.
• The olive branches symbolize peace.

One common misconception is worth clearing up: the emblem is not meant to center one country or one region. The design was created to represent the world without ranking it. Once you know that context, the flag reads more clearly, pointing to peace, shared responsibility, and global scope.

How the United Nations Flag Was Created

The United Nations emerged from the aftermath of World War II, when the world was seeking symbols of cooperation rather than conflict. In 1945, as delegates gathered to form the UN, they also needed a visual identity that felt neutral and recognizably international.

The emblem took shape during the San Francisco Conference. By 1946, the design was formally adopted, and the flag followed soon after.

What matters here is consistency in how the United Nations flag is presented. The United Nations established official specifications for the emblem’s layout, color, and proportions so the flag would look the same everywhere it flew. That uniformity still matters today because it reinforces legitimacy, reduces confusion, and helps keep the symbol from drifting into misuse.

UN Emblem Meaning Map and Olive Branches

The map on the UN flag carries meaning at first glance. It shows the world from above, centered on the North Pole, and that perspective is part of the message. No country is placed at the center, and no border is given priority. It communicates shared space and shared responsibility.

The olive branches wrap the map for a reason. For centuries, they have stood for peace, and here they frame the globe with that purpose in mind. Together, these flag symbols tell a clear story about a shared world, a commitment to peace, and collective responsibility, without relying on words.

Why the United Nations Flag Is Blue

The blue background is an intentional choice, not a decorative one. After World War II, the United Nations wanted a color that felt calm and neutral, not military and not national. Blue fit that moment. It stood apart from the reds often associated with conflict and uniforms.

Over time, UN blue became a recognizable signal. When it appears, the message is that the space is meant for dialogue, not dominance. That consistency matters, especially at official events. Color helps communicate intent before a single word is spoken.

Where the UN Flag Is Displayed Today

You will most often see the United Nations flag displayed alongside international flags at:

• UN headquarters and regional offices
• International conferences and summits
• Peacekeeping operations
• United Nations Day events (October 24)

At global gatherings, flags are often displayed in an agreed-upon order to avoid implying hierarchy, often arranged alphabetically by country name.

For indoor ceremonies or presentations, an indoor or parade-style UN flag is often preferred. These settings favor clean finishes, proper proportions, and a stable display. In these settings, the goal is not decoration, but respect.

Rules for Using the UN Flag and Emblem

This is an important detail that is easy to overlook. The United Nations flag and emblem are not free for unlimited use. Permissions and restrictions apply, especially for commercial or promotional purposes.

Altering the emblem is not allowed; this includes no color changes, no cropped designs, and no added elements. For public-facing displays, purchasing a properly made flag is often the safest approach. It helps ensure correct proportions and accurate colors.

Here is a quick do and don’t guide:

• Do use the emblem exactly as specified.
• Do not stretch, recolor, crop, or modify the design.
• Do check permissions before reproducing the emblem or flag.
• Do not treat it like a generic graphic.

When in doubt, lead with accuracy and check the official guidance before you reproduce the design.

UN Flag Display With the United States Flag

This question comes up often, so here is the clear version. When the United States Flag is displayed with another flag on U.S. soil, the U.S. Flag Code offers guidance on placement and precedence in standard setups. 

• On adjacent staffs, the United States Flag is placed on its own right, which is the observer’s left when you are facing the display. 
• For crossed staffs against a wall, the United States Flag is on its own right (observer’s left), and its staff should be in front of the other flag’s staff.
• In international or diplomatic settings, the goal is usually to achieve visual equality among national flags. 
• When flags of two or more nations are displayed together, they are generally flown from separate staffs of the same height, in approximately equal size, and not flown one above another in time of peace. 
• On a conference stage, flags often line up evenly at the same height. That balanced display reinforces the message of cooperation.

If you are planning an event, a quick check on pole height, spacing, and indoor bases can prevent easy protocol missteps. If you would like a second set of eyes on a display plan, we are happy to help.

Display the United Nations Flag With Purpose

Displaying the United Nations flag is a visible sign of purpose. Whether it is for a ceremony, a school setting, or a formal event, the details shape how the flag is understood. Choosing the right construction and finish helps the flag look correct and hold up over time.

We offer the United Nations flag in an indoor and parade format that is made to United Nations design specifications and marked “Made in the USA.” If you are planning an indoor presentation or ceremony, our United Nations Flag (Indoor and Parade) is finished with a pole sleeve for display use. 

If you have questions or want help choosing the proper display setup, we are here. We would love to hear from you. Happy to Help.

For ceremonies and classrooms, choose our Indoor & Parade United Nations Flag made to UN design specifications.