The UN Association of Finland was founded in 1954. The NGO promotes and supports the principles and actions of the United Nations.

The UN Association of Finland:

• educates about global responsibility and possibilities of influence
• provides information about the UN and its actions
• influences Finnish UN policies

In the statutes of the association (2§) it says as follows: "the purpose of the association is as a national organisation to promote the principles and goals of the United Nations and support its actions, hence promoting international understanding and peaceful cooperation between nations. In order to fulfill its purpose, the Finnish UN association organises meetings, seminars, courses and presentations, provides information and publications and supports the founding of local UN associations and activity groups that share its ideals and purposes".

The United Nations is the world's largest peace organisation, founded by an international treaty (The UN Charter), which aims at advancing the causes of security, human rights and development together in various ways. The UN Association of Finland supports this goal with its own activities in the fields of education, information-sharing and advocacy.

The UN Association of Finland has over 60 member organisations and some individual members. The office is situated in Helsinki with four permanent employees and some interns, project workers and usually a person in civil alternative service as well. The everyday activities of the association are guided by an executive committee with representatives from member organisations.

The UN Association of Finland is not a part of the official UN system.