Funny and interesting Facts About the United Nations (UN) You Probably Didn't Know

The United Nations (UN) is widely seen as a symbol of diplomacy, peace, and international cooperation - a serious place full of suits, resolutions, and Security Council debates. But behind the scenes, not everything is as stiff and formal as it seems. Here are some fun facts that might surprise you.

1. There's an Official UN "Do-Nothing Day"

The UN has declared February 20 as the World Day of Social Justice - a day many offices around the world "do nothing" to protest social inequality. Of course, the goal is serious, but the nickname "Do-Nothing Day" often causes laughter in UN corridors.

2. The UN Has Its Own World Toilet Day

November 19 is officially UN World Toilet Day! While the name is funny, the goal is serious: raising awareness for more than 3.5 billion people who lack safe sanitation. Still, the name is a popular inside joke in the UN hallways. Some delegates even give humorous speeches with slogans like: "Flush away inequality!"

3. The UN Has Its Own Postage Stamps

Yes, that’s real! The United Nations issues its own official postage stamps - in three currencies:US Dollars, Swiss Francs, and Euros- reflecting its offices in New York, Geneva, and Vienna. It's the only organization allowed to do this without being a country!

4. The UN Once (Almost) Had an Alien Ambassador

In 2010, rumors spread that the UN would appoint an ambassador for extraterrestrial contact. Malaysian astrophysicist Mazlan Othman had to clarify she wasn’t Earth’s official representative to aliens- although many wished she were.

5. The General Assembly Loves Plants

Hidden within UN Headquarters in New York is a peaceful garden where delegates sometimes go to get some fresh air, practice meditation and even yoga. A quite place amid geopolitical tension.

6.UN Cafeteria Is a Cultural Wonderland

The cafeteria at UN Headquarters offers a daily selection from at least eight different international cuisines, sometimes even serving dishes from nations currently in conflict. You could say it's culinary diplomacy at its finest.

7. Office Dogs? Not Allowed - Unless They Have Diplomatic Status

Although dogs aren’t notmally allowed some delegations have tried to sneak them into the building, coming up with the most creative excuses. One delegate from South America once gave his dog a homemade diplomatic passport to try to gain entry. It didn't work… but the story lives on.

8. The UN Released Its Own Pop Song

For its 70th anniversary in 2015, the UN released a song titled "Strong UN. Better World." While it didn’t make the charts, it's a cult hit on YouTube among UN staff - mainly thanks to its slightly embarrassing choreography. In the End Even Diplomats Have a Sense of Humor.

Even in the world of high diplomacy, there's space for laughter, weird traditions, and occasional alien rumor. The United Nations isn’t just a political arena - it's a truly human one.

by Leo Knoll, Luuk Mulder