The United Nations (UN)
Your guide to understanding the purpose, history, and function of the UN.
What is the United Nations?
The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945, consisting of 193 member states. It was established after World War II to prevent conflicts and promote international cooperation.
History of the United Nations
The UN was founded on October 24, 1945, following the conclusion of the Second World War. The initial aim was to foster international peace and security, as well as to create a forum for dialogue among nations.
Key historical milestones include:
- 1945: UN Charter adopted.
- 1948: Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- 1960s: Decolonization of many African and Asian nations.
- 2000: Establishment of the Millennium Development Goals.
Purpose and Function of the UN
The UN's primary purposes include:
- Maintaining international peace and security.
- Promoting sustainable development.
- Protecting human rights.
- Providing humanitarian assistance in times of need.
Main Bodies of the UN
The UN comprises several key bodies, each with distinct roles:
- General Assembly: A forum for all member states to discuss and coordinate on global issues.
- Security Council: Responsible for maintaining international peace and security, with 15 members including five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States).
- International Court of Justice: The principal judicial organ of the UN, which settles legal disputes between states.
- Secretariat: Charged with carrying out the day-to-day work of the UN, headed by the Secretary-General.
Key Facts About the UN
UN Peacekeeping Operations: The UN has deployed over 70 peacekeeping missions around the world since 1948, aimed at stabilizing conflict zones.
UN Agencies: Specialized agencies like WHO (World Health Organization), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) work to address specific global challenges.
Languages of the UN: The six official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.