The United Nations Started in San Francisco

In this premiere episode of Get On My Corner, (watch the episode) we uncover the little-known story of how a war-weary world gathered in California to create the UN. Filmed on location in San Francisco, this episode dives into the events leading up to the historic 1945 conference that gave birth to the United Nations. We’re honored to feature Dr. Stephen Schlesinger, one of the world’s leading experts on the UN and the author of Act of Creation: The Founding of the United Nations. Dr. Schlesinger shares deep insights into the politics, people, and pivotal moments that shaped one of the most important institutions of our time.

📍 Location Highlight: San Francisco’s iconic Veterans Building — where world leaders debated, drafted, and ultimately signed the UN Charter.

Why the United Nations First Started in San Francisco
1. A Global Mandate Formalized at Yalta and Dumbarton Oaks
The idea of creating a postwar international organization emerged during WWII, first formalized in the Dumbarton Oaks Conference (1944), and further shaped by the Yalta Conference (February 1945) where Allied leaders agreed to convene a “Conference of the United Nations” in San Francisco starting April 25, 1945 (una-sf.org, United Nations).
2. San Francisco’s Strategic Appeal
San Francisco was favored by several key Allied nations—including Australia, New Zealand, China, and the Philippines—because of its relative proximity to Asia and Europe, along with its scenic and welcoming environment (una-sf.org), as well as-and some say most importantly-Edward Stettinius-who was Secretary of State under President Roosevelt.
3. The Historic San Francisco Conference (April 25 – June 26, 1945)
Also known as the United Nations Conference on International Organization, it was the moment when fifty nations gathered in San Francisco to negotiate, draft, and ultimately agree upon the UN Charter. This included establishing foundational bodies such as the Security Council, General Assembly, International Court of Justice, Economic and Social Council, and Trusteeship Council (National WWII Museum).
4. Signing in the Heart of Civic Center
On June 26, 1945, the United Nations Charter was signed in the Herbst Theatre, located within San Francisco’s Veterans Building—a Beaux-Arts landmark adjacent to the War Memorial Opera House (Wikipedia).
5. A Symbolic Launch Location
Selecting San Francisco as the birthplace of the UN symbolized a new chapter of global cooperation, far from the devastation of war. The city’s vibrant civic atmosphere, cultural prestige, and international image made it the perfect stage for an organization dedicated to peace, justice, and human rights (una-sf.org, history.com).
6. Ratification and Official Birth
Following the San Francisco Conference, the Charter was ratified by the major Allied powers and a majority of signatories. The United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945—a date now recognized as United Nations Day (Office of the Historian).

Why This Matters for Our Episode
Our Get On My Corner premiere takes you into that very room where the UN Charter was born. Through Dr. Schlesinger’s expert commentary and our on-site filming in the Veterans Building and Opera House, we bring to life the drama, ideals, and urgency that shaped one of history’s most transformative gatherings. It’s more than history—it’s where hope for a peaceful world was forged.