10 Reasons The UN Is Pretty Great

Since everyone loves a good birthday, let’s take a minute to talk about how the UN, at the ripe age of 68, is still pretty awesome.

1. Kid President likes the UN.

This August, Kid President took over the UN’s headquarters to get to the bottom of the question, “what does the world need more of?” Hugs. The answer is hugs.

2. Malala Yousafzai spent her 16th birthday at the UN.

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How can you not be completely in awe of Malala? Before Jon Stewart was "fangirling" over her, Malala had her first public speech since her attack at the UN General Assembly – in front of 500 youth advocates.

3. Every year, the UN’s World Food Programme feeds 100 million people in 73 countries.

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That’s basically taking one-third of Americans and feeding them. Every. Single. Year.

4. The UN stands for LGBT rights.

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Unlike some global leaders, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said time and time again that LGBT rights are human rights. And if you haven’t watched the UN Free & Equal's "Riddle" campaign video, prepare to be moved.

5. The UN prevents war.

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When the Obama administration was all like “we need military action in Syria,” the UN Security Council was all like “let’s figure this out diplomatically.” And they are. Now UN experts are working hand-in-hand with the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons as it works to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons.

6. While we’re at it: The UN and its agencies also racked up some Nobel Peace Prizes.

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It may not be the Grammys, but come on, Nobel Peace Prizes are just as awesome, and the UN has 8. That makes it the Michael Jackson Thriller album of peace.

7. Beyoncé is all about the UN.

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Um, unless you live under a rock, you saw Bey’s World Humanitarian Day video last year. It was amazing.

Also, you can thank the UN for her getting on Twitter because most of her 8 tweets have to do with a UN campaign.

8. When it comes to the UN, Americans actually agree.

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Let’s face it, we aren’t agreeing on a lot these days. But a new bipartisan poll shows 8 in 10 American voters think the U.S. should be actively engaged with the UN.

9. The UN changes with the times.

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No way around it, the tents you normally see at refugee camps could stand to be more durable. That's why UNHCR teamed up with IKEA to build better homes for the millions of refugees it assists worldwide. No word yet if IKEA’s allen wrench will be included.

10. The UN helps the world, but still has time to dance.

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Every day, the UN and its agencies work to solve global problems, but even with a full plate, the Secretary-General takes time to learn new things too. Like how to dance “Gangnam Style”.

When it comes down to it, it’s like what Kid President said, “The UN is a group of people trying to make the world better.”

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