Issued annually since 1946/47, the Yearbook is the principal reference work of the United Nations, providing a comprehensive, one-volume account of the Organization's work. It includes details of United Nations activities concerning trade, industrial development, natural resources, food, science & technology, social development, population, environment, human settlements, children & legal questions, along with information on the work of each specialized agency in the United Nations family. The Yearbook is an indispensable guide to the UN.

UNICEF, the UN Children's Fund, is renowned for its efficiency in both rich and poor countries. Created as a humanitarian agency, it is now one of the international development institutions concerned with children and mothers. The book relates the creation of UNICEF, the evolution of its programmes, its structure and finances, its work in health, nutrition, education and sanitation and in emergencies. The 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child now serves as a framework for all UNICEF programmes and a basis for its advocacy. Current challenges include UNICEF's nature and identity, its relationship with other international organizations, reduced funding and its need to refocus some of its programmes.