The Power of People and Ideas: The Intellectual Contribution of the UN to Development

Ideas are a main driving force in human progress, and they are arguably the most important contribution of the United Nations. Yet until now, there has been no comprehensive study of the origins and evolution of the economic and social activities of the UN and of their impact on wider thinking and international action.

The United Nations Intellectual History Project is filling this knowledge gap by tracing the origin and analyzing the evolution of key ideas and concepts about international economic and social development born or nurtured under UN auspices. Thomas G. Weiss, Director, Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies and Co-Director, United Nations Intellectual History Project and Tatiana Carayannis, Research Manager, United Nations Intellectual History Project were guest speakers at this briefing.