The Design
The original UN logo was created by a team of designers during the United Nations Conference on International Organization in 1945. The design team was led by Oliver Lincoln Lundquist.
The United Nations Emblem
The design is "a map of the world representing an azimuthal equidistant projection centred on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree, in gold on a field of smoke-blue with all water areas in white. The projection of the map extends to 60 degrees south latitude, and includes five concentric circles" (original description of the emblem).
The United Nations Flag
The official emblem of the United Nations in white, centered on a light blue background.
Approval
The UN logo was approved on 7 December 1946.
Its Use
The UN logo has been incorporated into the logos of several UN Family members. The logo is also used on United Nations stamps.