The United Nations flag is not an Australian flag, but it is flown in Australia and elsewhere according to special rules set out in the United Nations Flag Code.

In accordance with a proclamation made by the Governor-General on 19 August 1948, 24 October each year is observed throughout Australia and its territories as United Nations Day, being the anniversary of the coming into force of the Charter of the United Nations. The United Nations flag is flown on this day where possible. If only one flagpole is available, the Australian National Flag should be the flag flown on that day.

The United Nations emblem originated in 1945, when a button design was sought for the San Francisco conference at which the United Nations Charter was drafted and approved. The Presentation Branch of the United States Office of Strategic Services prepared the design and, on 7 December 1946, the General Assembly accepted a modified design as the official seal and emblem of the United Nations. On 20 October 1947, the General Assembly approved the design of the United Nations flag, using the emblem on a light blue background.

THE UNITED NATIONS FLAG