Comprehensive Overview of the United Nations
and Its Global Role
1. Introduction to the United Nations
The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 at the end of World War II to avoid
future war and encourage international cooperation. It has its headquarters in New York and has
193 member states now. The major objectives of the UN are to ensure peace, human rights,
development, and friendship between nations. It is the world's largest intergovernmental
organization.
2. Main Organs of the United Nations
General Assembly:
All 193 member states are represented in this body. It discusses global issues, approves
the UN budget, and makes non-binding resolutions.
Security Council:
It has 15 members, including 5 permanent ones (USA, UK, France, Russia, and China)
with veto power. It is responsible for maintaining international peace and can authorize
peacekeeping missions or sanctions.
International Court of Justice (ICJ):
Situated in The Hague, it resolves differences between nations and provides advisory
opinions on international law.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
It coordinates the UN's and its specialized agencies' economic, social, and environmental
activities.
Trusteeship Council:
It was created to oversee trust territories but is currently dormant as all such territories
have achieved independence.
Secretariat:
It is headed by the Secretary-General and executes the UN's day-to-day activities, studies,
and communication among member states.
3. Function in Upholding International Peace and Security
The UN is key in peacekeeping and conflict prevention. It deploys peacekeeping troops into war
zones to guard civilians and restore peace. Sanctions are imposed and military action approved
by the Security Council when need arises. It also acts as a mediator between warring sides to
achieve diplomatic agreements. The aim is to prevent wars from happening in the first place.
4. Role in Advocating for Human Rights
The UN upholds and advances human rights around the world through a series of declarations
and agreements. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) is the main milestone that
and Its Global Role
1. Introduction to the United Nations
The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 at the end of World War II to avoid
future war and encourage international cooperation. It has its headquarters in New York and has
193 member states now. The major objectives of the UN are to ensure peace, human rights,
development, and friendship between nations. It is the world's largest intergovernmental
organization.
2. Main Organs of the United Nations
General Assembly:
All 193 member states are represented in this body. It discusses global issues, approves
the UN budget, and makes non-binding resolutions.
Security Council:
It has 15 members, including 5 permanent ones (USA, UK, France, Russia, and China)
with veto power. It is responsible for maintaining international peace and can authorize
peacekeeping missions or sanctions.
International Court of Justice (ICJ):
Situated in The Hague, it resolves differences between nations and provides advisory
opinions on international law.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
It coordinates the UN's and its specialized agencies' economic, social, and environmental
activities.
Trusteeship Council:
It was created to oversee trust territories but is currently dormant as all such territories
have achieved independence.
Secretariat:
It is headed by the Secretary-General and executes the UN's day-to-day activities, studies,
and communication among member states.
3. Function in Upholding International Peace and Security
The UN is key in peacekeeping and conflict prevention. It deploys peacekeeping troops into war
zones to guard civilians and restore peace. Sanctions are imposed and military action approved
by the Security Council when need arises. It also acts as a mediator between warring sides to
achieve diplomatic agreements. The aim is to prevent wars from happening in the first place.
4. Role in Advocating for Human Rights
The UN upholds and advances human rights around the world through a series of declarations
and agreements. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) is the main milestone that
