UN

United Nations

Emblem of the United Nations
Abbreviation	UN
Formation	24 October 1945
Type	Intergovernmental organization
Headquarters	New York City, United States
Membership	193 member states
Secretary-General	António Guterres
Website	www.un.org

The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization tasked with maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, achieving international cooperation, and being a center for harmonizing the actions of nations. It is the largest, most familiar, most internationally represented, and most powerful intergovernmental organization in the world.

History

The United Nations was established after World War II with the aim of preventing future wars, succeeding the ineffective League of Nations. The organization was established on 24 October 1945 with the ratification of the United Nations Charter by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Soviet Union, and China—and by a majority of the other 46 signatories.

Structure

The UN system is based on five principal organs:

• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main deliberative assembly.
• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
• The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) promotes international economic and social cooperation and development.
• The United Nations Secretariat provides studies, information, and facilities needed by the UN.
• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the primary judicial organ.

Additionally, the United Nations Trusteeship Council was established to oversee the administration of trust territories as they transitioned to self-government. However, it has been inactive since 1994.

Functions and Activities

The UN has numerous specialized agencies, programs, and funds that carry out its work. These include the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The UN is involved in a wide range of activities, including peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, human rights advocacy, and sustainable development. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development.

Peacekeeping and Security

The UN Security Council is responsible for peacekeeping operations, sanctions, and authorizing military action. The UN has deployed peacekeeping missions in various conflict zones around the world, such as in Cyprus, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Human Rights

The UN promotes human rights through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly in 1948. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) works to promote and protect human rights globally.

Sustainable Development

The UN has adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals to be achieved by 2030, which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.

Criticism and Reform

The UN has faced criticism for its bureaucracy, inefficiency, and the disproportionate influence of the permanent members of the Security Council. Calls for reform have included proposals to expand the Security Council and improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.

Also see

• United Nations Charter
• United Nations Security Council
• World Health Organization
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Sustainable Development Goals