About the United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 with one central mission: the maintenance of international peace and security. Today, the UN pursues this mission by working to prevent conflict; helping parties in conflict make peace; peacekeeping; and creating the conditions to allow peace to hold and flourish.
The United Nations is currently made up of 193 Member States, and its mandate is carried out through six main UN organs: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. The UN system also includes many affiliated programs, funds, and specialized agencies, all with their own membership, leadership, and budget. The programs and funds are financed through voluntary rather than assessed contributions. Specialized agencies are independent international organizations funded by both voluntary and assessed contributions.
United Nations Procurement
The United Nations spends nearly $25 billion annually to procure a wide array of goods and services from suppliers around the world.
Tender announcements are published on a central procurement portal, United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM). UNGM enables vendors to view procurement opportunities from across the UN system.
To respond to UN tenders, companies must complete a simple registration on UNGM. UNGM registration provides an excellent springboard for companies to introduce their products and services to many UN organizations, countries, and regions. Twenty-nine UN agencies within the UN system, accounting for over 99% of total UN procurement spend, use the UNGM vendor database as a tool to identify vendors that meet their procurement needs.
UNGM also contains a wealth of information and resources about the UN system and the UN market, including procurement statistics and instructional videos.
The U.S. Commercial Service is available to assist American companies with questions and one-on-one consultations about UN procurement. Please contact us for further information.
Doing Business with the United Nations
The United Nations represents a global market of nearly $25 billion annually, offering an excellent opportunity for U.S. businesses across all industries. While the United States consistently ranks as the largest supplier of goods and services to the UN system, there is always room to grow.
American companies can download a U.S. Commercial Service report on “Doing Business with the United Nations” to learn more about UN procurement opportunities, challenges and best practices.
Please complete this form to receive the “Doing Business with the United Nations” report.
The U.S. Commercial Service is also available to help American companies with questions and one-on-one consultations about UN procurement. Please contact us for further information.
Services for U.S. Companies
The U.S. Commercial Service in New York provides the following services to U.S. firms and organizations:
- Counseling: One-on-one consultations on how to do business with the United Nations.
- Market Research and Outreach: Information on United Nations project and procurement opportunities and business orientation seminars.
- Key Contacts and Outreach: Appointments with United Nations procurement experts as appropriate.
Please contact us for further information.
Doing Business with the United Nations
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
9:00am - 5:00pm EST
New York City (290 Broadway, New York NY 10007)
Cost: $75
Register Here
Join the U.S. Commercial Service New York and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations for an all-day seminar on “Doing Business with the United Nations.”
The seminar will be held in New York City and will provide participating American companies an overview of the UN’s nearly $25 billion procurement market. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the UN procurement process and learn tips and best practices to help win UN tenders.
Who Should Attend
American companies interested in doing business with the UN Secretariat and other UN entities. This seminar will be informative for suppliers who have bid on past tenders and for companies who need help getting started. Senior representatives from U.S. firms in the following industries are encouraged to attend:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Aviation/Fixed and Rotary-Wing Operators
- Crisis Recovery/Energy
- Construction/Engineering Services/Building Materials
- Freight Forwarding/Logistics
- Health Services/Medical/Laboratory Equipment & Supplies
- Information Technology/Communications Equipment, Software & Services
- Pharmaceuticals
- Security/Safety Services & Equipment
- Vehicles
- Waste Water Treatment and Drinking Water Systems
Preliminary Agenda
9:30am – Registration, Tea & Coffee
10:00am - Welcome Remarks by U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. Mission to the UN
10:05am - Agency Presentations: Priorities and Upcoming Opportunities
12:10pm - Question and Answer Session with UN Procurement Officials
12:35pm-1:20pm - Networking Lunch 1:20pm-1:30pm – Remarks
1:30pm - Case Study: Understanding the Tender Process
2:50pm - Industry Workshops with UN Procurement Officials
4:00pm – Export and Vendor Registration Workshops
4:45pm - Event Concludes
Questions?
Please contact Nathaniel.Sears@trade.gov
Contact
Nathaniel Sears, Commercial Officer
New York U.S. Export Assistance Center
U.S. Commercial Service
Tel: 212-809-2624
Email: Nathaniel.Sears@trade.gov
