The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names has its origins in the recognition by the Economic and Social Council that the consistent use of geographical names is essential for communication, cartography, administration and international cooperation. From early discussions in 1948 and the adoption of ECOSOC resolution 715A (XXVII) in 1959, the United Nations established a process to encourage national standardization, support the preparation of national gazetteers, and promote the exchange of information on geographical names.

Following the First United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names in 1967 and subsequent action by ECOSOC, the work developed through a series of United Nations Conferences on the Standardization of Geographical Names and sessions of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names.

In its decision 1993/226 of 12 July 1993, the ECOSOC approved a new version of the statute (see E/1993/21 and Corr.1, annex).

In 2017, this structure was reformed, and ECOSOC resolution 2018/2 established the current UNGEGN as a subsidiary body of ECOSOC, retaining the relevant mandates of the former Conferences and Group of Experts.

The work of UNGEGN is guided by its Strategic Plan and Programme of Work 2021 – 2029 . Further information on UNGEGN’s substantive programme is available in the respective pages of UNGEGN’s Working Groups.