United Nations

Flags of UN member states

The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization established on 24 October 1945 to promote international cooperation and maintain international order. It was a replacement for the ineffective League of Nations, which had been created after World War I to prevent another such conflict. At its founding, the UN had 51 member states; there are now 193.

History

Emperor Haile Selassie at the League of Nations

The concept of the United Nations was born during World War II. The term "United Nations" was first used by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Declaration by United Nations on 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers.

Founding

Sketch by Franklin Roosevelt

The UN was established after the San Francisco Conference, which took place from 25 April to 26 June 1945. The conference was attended by 50 governments and a number of non-governmental organizations involved in drafting the United Nations Charter. The UN officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter had been ratified by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—the Republic of China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and by a majority of the other 46 signatories.

Early Years

The UN's first major test was the Korean War, where it authorized a military intervention to repel the North Korean invasion of South Korea. The UN also played a significant role in the decolonization process, helping many countries in Africa and Asia gain independence.

Structure

The UN system is based on five principal organs:

• The United Nations General Assembly
• The United Nations Security Council
• The United Nations Economic and Social Council
• The United Nations Secretariat
• The International Court of Justice

General Assembly

The General Assembly is the main deliberative assembly of the UN. Composed of all member states, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of international issues.

Security Council

The Security Council is charged with maintaining peace and security among countries. While other organs of the UN can only make "recommendations" to member states, the Security Council has the power to make binding decisions that member states have agreed to carry out.

Secretariat

The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. The Secretariat provides studies, information, and facilities needed by the UN.

Notable Secretaries-General

Kofi Annan, seventh Secretary-General

The UN has had several notable Secretaries-General, including:

• Dag Hammarskjöld (1953–1961), who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously.
• Kofi Annan (1997–2006), who was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.

Membership

UN Member States in 1945

Membership in the UN is open to all peace-loving states that accept the obligations contained in the UN Charter and, in the judgment of the Organization, are able and willing to carry out these obligations. The admission of any such state to membership in the UN will be effected by a decision of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

Activities

The UN and its specialized agencies have a wide range of activities, including peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of sustainable development.

Peacekeeping

The UN has been involved in peacekeeping operations around the world, from the Middle East to Africa and Asia. These operations are designed to help countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.

Humanitarian Assistance

The UN provides food, shelter, and medical assistance to millions of people affected by natural disasters and conflicts.

Sustainable Development

The UN is committed to promoting sustainable development through initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.

Related pages

• League of Nations
• International Court of Justice
• United Nations Security Council
• United Nations General Assembly