Our History

The United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia (UNA-GP) has a long and dynamic history shaped by activism, education, and global citizenship. From its early days in the 1970s to its vibrant revival in the late 1990s and the youth-powered initiatives of today, UNA-GP reflects Philadelphia’s deep commitment to justice, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

From our very beginnings, UNA-GP was founded to promote local action and build a better world. Our story is one of community, collaboration, and a belief that global change begins at home.

A Global Mission, Rooted in Philadelphia

Our Story

The Early Years of UNA-GP (1972-early 1990s)

The United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia, founded as a nonprofit organization in 1972, laid the groundwork for UN engagement in the Philadelphia region. Through the 1970s and 80s, local advocates worked to promote international awareness and dialogue. However, the chapter became dormant by the early 90s. Despite this, the legal and organizational foundation laid early on ensured that the UN community in Philadelphia could revive when the time came.
A New Beginning: The Anti-Landmine Movement and the Rebirth of UNA-GP (late 1990s)

UNA-GP was restarted in the late 1990s, inspired by the global effort to ban landmines. Local activists Joan Reivich and Mike Felker began the Adopt-a-Minefield campaign to help clear landmines worldwide. Their work was driven by the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize given to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). Quakers, important to both the ICBL and Philadelphia’s peace history, helped revive the group. With David Eldridge, a Haverford College professor, leading, UNA-GP grew with new energy and a clear mission.
Building a Community Network: Partnerships That Shaped UNA-GP (2000s)

The revived UNA-GP grew by connecting with Philadelphia’s diverse civic and educational groups. Support came from the Unitarian Universalist community, Project for Nuclear Awareness, Global Educators Movement, Peace Corps alumni, immigrant groups, and university members. The chapter also worked with institutions ranging from the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Philadelphia School District, to the Free Library, and a variety of other partners. UNA-GP’s office at the Friends Center became a central hub for joint programs, discussions, and raising global awareness.
Part of a National Movement: UNA-GP, UNA-USA, and the UN Foundation Connection

UNA-GP is part of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), a network of chapters that varies widely in size and focus. UNA-USA underwent structural transformation by joining the UN Foundation’s Better World Fund, creating new pathways for national coordination, advocacy, and programming. Through this national partnership, UNA-GP receives policy guidance, resources, and direction while keeping a unique Philadelphia focus on global citizenship. After the COVID-19 pandemic, UNA-GP has focused on outreach, growing membership, and encouraging Philadelphians to connect local identity with global responsibility.
Empowering the Next Generation: Youth at the Heart of UNA-GP

Youth engagement has long been the backbone of UNA-GP’s mission. Inspired by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s global emphasis on young people and scientific engagement, the chapter works to connect students with international issues and the work of the United Nations. Through Model UN programs in high schools, campus partnerships, and public education initiatives, UNA-GP promotes learning in areas such as human rights, rule of law, sustainability and climate resilience, and cultural identity.

History of UNA-USA

Founded in 1943, UNA-USA emerged from a dedicated group of Americans aiming to secure peace after World War II. The organization played a crucial role in shaping the UN Charter, its US Congressional ratification, and has been influential in the US-UN relationship since the UN’s inception.

After retiring as the US Ambassador to the UN General Assembly in 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt volunteered to grow UNA-USA’s membership. She worked hard to spread support for the UN across the US until her death in 1962, helping create UNA-USA chapters all over the country.

UNA-USA has a history of leading global ideas, from early UN reform studies to promoting citizen diplomacy in the Cold War. It continues to play a key role in solving important UN issues.

UNA-USA and the UN Foundation

In 2011, UNA-USA merged with the United Nations Foundation, creating the world’s largest network of UN advocates. This collaboration combines grassroots strength, public outreach, advocacy resources, and global convening power to enhance the impact of both organizations.

Today, the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) operates as a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides educational and meaningful advocacy engagements to connect members with all aspects of the US-UN relationship.

Through events, programs, and advocacy campaigns, we inspire Americans to champion global cooperation on critical issues, including climate action, human rights, and global health.

UNA-USA works with the Better World Campaign, its sister organization, to mobilize Americans to support the ideals and vital work of the United Nations. Together, these organizations represent the single largest network of advocates and supporters of the United Nations in the world.

Learn more about the history of UNA-USA

Learn more about the UN Foundation

Better World Fund and Better World Campaign

The Better World Fund (BWF) was established in 1998 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner as part of his historic $1 billion gift in support of the UN and UN causes and to spur strategic innovations in collective action to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges.

The Better World Fund is a premier educational and advocacy platform driving support for the United Nations and UN causes in the United States and around the world, including through its flagship Better World Campaign (BWC) and the UNA-USA.

Learn more about the Better World Campaign