United Nations
International organization founded in 1945 that provides a global forum for countries to collaborate on peace, security, development, and human rights.
The United Nations (UN) operates a comprehensive records and archives management system designed to support its diverse operations, including Peace Operations, Special Political Missions, and UN Good Offices. The Archives and Records Management Section (ARMS) is responsible for advising UN entities and staff on all aspects of record keeping, ensuring that records are managed throughout their lifecycle—from creation to preservation as archives. This system is critical for decision-making, providing evidence of activities, and ensuring that sensitive information is protected and shared appropriately.
The UN's archival collections cover four broad areas: Secretariat Departments and Offices, Peacekeeping and Field Missions, and Predecessor International Organizations. These collections are promoted through exhibitions, outreach programs, magazine and journal articles, social media, blog posts, and tours. The aim is to raise awareness of the UN's history and the importance of records management.
Additionally, the UN offers an eLearning platform that provides in-depth training on records and information management for its staff. This platform covers the lifecycle of information, relevant policies, best practices, and guidance on managing and sharing sensitive information.
The UN's business model revolves around providing these essential services to its various departments and missions, ensuring that all operations are well-documented and that historical records are preserved for future reference. This not only supports current decision-making processes but also contributes to the organization's long-term mission of promoting peace and security worldwide.
Keywords: records management, archives, UN operations, decision-making, historical preservation, Peace Operations, Special Political Missions, eLearning, information lifecycle, sensitive information.