Embedded Files
Established in 1945, the United Nations (UN) is a global institution. The UN, which currently has 193 Member States, bases its operations on the objectives and values outlined in its founding Charter. It continues to be the only place on Earth where all nations may come together, talk about shared issues, and come up with solutions that will benefit all of humanity.
Un's System
Un's System
The United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB), which is chaired by the UN Secretary-General, offers the UN system broad coordination, strategic direction, and guidance in the areas that Executive Heads are responsible for. While making sure that each agency's separate mandate is upheld, emphasis is focused on interagency priorities and projects. The purpose of the twice-yearly meetings of the Executive Heads is to discuss management and policy matters that affect United Nations system organizations.
un system.pdf
In compliance with the agreements governing their respective relationships, international organizations collaborate with the UN as specialized agencies. In line with their founding articles and procedural guidelines, UN Specialized Agencies select their administrative head and admit members.
17 Specialized Agencies are present. Reference is frequently made to 15 Specialized Agencies because the World Bank Group, which is currently recognized as one entity, is formed, in part, of three Specialized Agencies. UN Treaty Series usually contains agreements between the UN and its Specialized Agencies.
Specialized Agencies
Specialized Agencies
FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization
IFAD: International Fund for Agricultural Development
ILO: International Labour Organization
IMF: International Monetary Fund
IMO: International Maritime Organization
ITU: International Telecommunication Union
UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNIDO: United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UN Tourism: World Tourism Organization
UPU: Universal Postal Union
WHO: World Health Organization
WIPO: World Intellectual Property Organization
WMO: World Meteorological Organization
World Bank Group
Structure
Structure
General Assembly
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. The UN General Assembly is the sole UN body where all 193 Member States are represented. Every year in September, all member nations gather in New York's General Assembly Hall for the annual session and general debate. For major issues such as peace and security, the admission of new members, and budget matters, a two-thirds majority vote is required, while a simple majority suffices for other topics. Additionally, the General Assembly selects a President each year who serves a one-year term.
The President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang.
Security Council
Security Council
The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, as outlined in the UN Charter. It consists of 15 members—5 permanent (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Each member has one vote, and all UN Member States must comply with Security Council decisions.
The Security Council plays a crucial role in identifying threats to peace or acts of aggression. It encourages diplomatic solutions by urging parties in a conflict to resolve disputes peacefully and recommends methods for negotiation. If necessary, it can impose sanctions or even authorize the use of force to restore stability. Leadership within the Council rotates monthly, with a different country serving as President each month.
officialnamesofcountries UN.pdfThe Member states
The Member states
Membership into the UN is guided by the UN's Charter, therefore in acquiring membership; that State must agree and support the values embedded in the Charter. States are officially admitted into the organization if approved by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
Economic and Social Council
Economic and Social Council
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is a key United Nations body responsible for coordinating policies, reviewing economic, social, and environmental issues, and promoting internationally agreed development goals. It acts as the central hub for managing activities across the UN system and its specialized agencies in these areas while overseeing various subsidiary and expert bodies. ECOSOC comprises 54 members, elected by the General Assembly for three-year overlapping terms, ensuring continuity in decision-making. As the UN’s main platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable development, it plays a crucial role in shaping global policies and initiatives.
Trusteeship Council
Trusteeship Council
The Trusteeship Council was established in 1945 by the UN Charter, under Chapter XIII, to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories that had been placed under the administration of seven Member States, and ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government and independence. By 1994, all Trust Territories had attained self-government or independence. The Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November 1994. By a resolution adopted on 25 May 1994, the Council amended its rules of procedure to drop the obligation to meet annually and agreed to meet as occasion required -- by its decision or the decision of its President, or at the request of a majority of its members or the General Assembly or the Security Council.
International Court of Justice
International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the main judicial organ of the United Nations (UN), responsible for settling legal disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on international legal matters. Established in 1945, it is based in The Hague, Netherlands, making it the only UN principal organ not located in New York.
The ICJ ensures that disputes are resolved in accordance with international law, with rulings that are binding on the involved parties. Additionally, it offers legal advice to UN agencies on complex global issues. The Court operates under its Statute, consists of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms, and typically handles cases related to territorial disputes, diplomatic relations, human rights, and treaty interpretations. Through its work, the ICJ promotes peaceful conflict resolution and global stability by reinforcing the rule of law.
Secretariat
Secretariat
The UN Secretariat is responsible for carrying out the daily operations of the United Nations, as directed by the General Assembly and other key UN bodies. It is led by the Secretary-General, who serves as the Chief Administrative Officer and is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year renewable term. Beyond administration, the Secretary-General represents the ideals of the UN, advocating for global peace and supporting vulnerable populations.
KEY Documents
KEY Documents
The United Nations Organization uses its Charter to guide its operations similarly to how a policy works. Below are important documents to guide and help uphold the objectives or vision of this organization, crucial to its effective functioning.
uncharter.pdfUN's Charter
udhr.pdfUniversal Declaration of Human Rights
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.pdfConvention of Child Rights
icj_statute_e.pdfStatute of the International Court of Justice
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