The United Nations (or UN) is a unique international organization composed of 191 sovereign states representing virtually every nation-state in the world. This group, which was established on the 24th of October 1945, is dedicated to solving some of the world’s most pressing international issues including economic development, international security, and humanitarian aid. Structurally divided into a handful of administrative bodies, the UN is currently in charge of numerous peace keeping programs as well as the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. An important part of the world’s political and economic makeup, the United Nations is currently based in New York City beside the East River on land that has extraterritoriality status. An exciting tourist attraction for humanitarians of all ages, the United Nations is currently open to the public on weekdays.
The UN Complex
The United Nations complex currently features three major buildings, each of which houses a variety of important international conference areas. These buildings include the Secretariat, which houses 39 floors of office space, the General Assembly, where member nations meet to discuss international issues during the UN General Assembly, and the Dag Hammarskjold Library. The UN grounds are also overflowing with a variety of influential and exciting artworks, including numerous gardens and a variety of stunning sculptures. Designed in 1949-50 on land purchased by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. the United Nations building is technically built on land that is internationally owned, allowing it to withhold an extraterritorial status like other worldwide embassies. Other proposed sites for the UN headquarters included San Francisco, Philadelphia and Niagara Falls, Canada.
Exciting Artwork
If you’re interested in visiting the United Nations Building during your upcoming AAMCAR New York CAR Rentals vacation it is recommended that you take a moment to thoroughly enjoy the buildings interior lobby and the external gardens. These two areas contain a plethora of unique artwork donated to the building by world-leaders and numerous international organizations. Must-see pieces include a large replica in bronze of a 45-calibre pistol, the barrel of which is tied into an knot. This piece, which is entitled ‘Non-Violence’ was a gift from the Luxembourg Government symbolizing peace. The ‘Mother and Child’ sculpture is another popular piece located in the North Garden. This sculpture was a gift from Italy and is the work of legendary sculptor Giacomo Manzu.
Tours
If you would like to witness history in the making during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation it is recommended that you participate in one of the specially run United Nations tours, which provide visitors with an exclusive look at one of the world’s most influential organizations. Stops on this tour include a visit to the General Assembly Hall, a stop in the Security Council Chamber and a special look at world artifacts including a moon rock carried back to earth by the Apollo 11 Space Mission. Tours also include in-depth information sessions explaining the relevancy of most of the UN’s artworks, as well as informative programs on some of the headquarters daily happenings and current projects. English tours of the UN are held every 15 to 30 minutes daily beginning at 9:15, and cost just $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for students and seniors and just $3.50 for children grades one through eight. If you’re planning on bringing a large group on your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation it is recommended to call ahead to reserve a tour time. Special programs can also be arranged for groups of 20 or more, whereby participants can sit in on a mock briefing by a Secretariat official! To reserve your United Nations tour please call (212) 963-7113, (international travelers can call (212) 963-7539.
If you would like to learn more about the United Nations before visiting New York City please feel free to visit the official United Nations webpage at www.un.org.