Founded in 1945, the primary goal of the UN was stated as “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. The UN, an international organization of sovereign member states, is also concerned with protecting human rights, encouraging sustainable development and environmental protection, and generally providing a forum for diplomatic solutions to world problems.
General Assembly (“G.A.”)
General Assembly in the actual United Nations contains all 193 member countries; each country has one vote regardless of its size, economic situation, or military power. Any topic suitable for international discussion can be raised in the G.A. by any member. Because of its size, the G.A. does much of its work in specialized committees.
Security Council
The Security Council can act “to maintain or restore international peace and security”, including calling for blockades and military action against an aggressor country. It has 15 members. The “Big Five” permanent members are: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States. Delegates from each of these countries have the power to veto any resolution that their country disagrees with.
Observers at the U.N.
The United Nations gives various organizations and nations “observer status”. They can send representatives to U.N. meetings, and speak in debates, but can’t vote on resolutions. These include Palestine, the Vatican., the Red Cross / Red Crescent, and INTERPOL.