1. The United Nations
At a Glance

2. Introduction to United Nations
“Applaud us when we prevail; correct us when we fail; but, above all, do not let this indispensable, irreplaceable institution wither, languish, or perish as a result of Member States’ indifference, inattention or financial starvation.” -Kofi Annan

3. Introduction to United Nations
Purpose: to bring all nations of the world together to work for peace and development, based on principles of justice, human dignity, and the well-being of all people
Not intended to be a “world government”
Chief principle: national sovereignty
This means that borders, laws and traditions of each country cannot be intruded on by any other government, by any international agency, or the UN itself.
Exceptions to this rule occur when the Security Council agrees that there is a significant threat to peace and security.

4. History of the United Nations: The Charter
First named by Franklin Roosevelt during World War II
UN began as a declaration among “Allied” governments against “Axis” Powers
After war, the UN as we now know it was chartered at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, California on June 26, 1945
Final ratification of Charter by main member states occurred on October 24, 1945 (UN Day)
51 original member states

5. History of the United Nations: The Charter (Cont’d.)
United Nations Charter
Establishes conditions for membership
Sets purpose & structure of Organization
Lays out fundamental rights and principles that apply to all member states
International treaty
All members expected to observe mandates of charter as international law

6. History of the United Nations: The Charter (cont’d.)
Expectations of Member states (in UN Charter):
Fulfill in good faith obligations (payments and dues)
Settle international disputes by peaceful means
Refrain from the threat or use of force against another Member State,
Assist the UN in line with the Charter
The Charter does not give the UN any authority to intervene in domestic matters of any State

7. History of the United Nations: What Has the UN Done?
Improved international health
Immunizing children
Fighting malaria and deadly diseases
Providing safe drinking water
Eradicating smallpox
As a result, life expectancy has increased all over the world
More International Law has been developed through the UN in the past sixty years than in the entire history of mankind
UN relief agencies have given aid and protected more than 25 million refugees throughout the world

8. The History of the United Nations: What has the UN Done?
1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights
More than 80 other human rights treaties
Strengthened democratic processes by assisting in elections in over 70 countries
World Food Program- the world’s largest food-aid organization- provides 1/3 of world’s food each year

9. Structure & Function of UN: Main UN Organs
United Nations is comprised of six main organs (organizations)
General Assembly
Security Council
Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC)
Trusteeship Council
International Court of Justice
Secretariat

10. Structure & Function of the UN: The General Assembly
Main body of the UN
Every Member State has a single vote on the GA and within its main committees
First Committee: Disarmament & International Security
Second Committee: Economic & Financial
Third Committee: Social, Humanitarian and Cultural
Fourth Committee: Special, Political and Decolonization
Fifth Committee: Administrative and Budget
Sixth Committee: Legal
Each committee presents work in form of written resolutions to the General Assembly and then deliberates and votes on these resolutions

11. Structure & Function of the UN: Security Council
Main responsibility- maintaining international peace and security
Members: five permanent members
China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States
Ten rotating members elected by GA for two year terms
Permanent members have veto power
Security Council is only UN organ that can demand actions to be taken in resolutions

12. Structure & Function of UN: ECOSOC
Coordinates economic and social efforts between UN and other specialized agencies
54 members elected for three year terms- each member has a single vote
Resolutions of ECOSOC are recommendations on social, cultural, educational, and health related matters

13. Structure & Function of UN: Trusteeship Council
Originally intended to oversee administration of eleven Trust Territories
Now somewhat obsolete because all Trust Territories are independent or self-governing
Consists of five permanent members of Security Council

14. Structure & Function of UN: International Court of Justice
Principal international judicial body
All UN Member States are automatic parties to the ICJ Statute
Court may preside over cases brought to it by parties or may be asked to give advisory opinions relating to international law
No private disputes- only national disputes
Rulings are based upon international conventions and treaties
Fifteen judges sit on the court

15. Structure & Function of UN: Secretariat
International staff that conducts day-to-day operations & administration of the organization
Secretary General is the chief administrative officer, although duties also include being the main spokesperson, diplomat and activist of the UN
Current Secretary General is Ban Kai-Moon from South Korea

16. Structure & Function of UN: Selected UN Agencies
UNICEF: United Nations Children’s Fund
Only UN agency dedicated to helping children
Founded in the wake of WWII in 1946
Supports the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
UNICEF reports to ECOSOC

17. Structure & Function of UN: Selected UN Agencies
UNDP: United Nations Development Program
Since 1965, serves as coordinating body for financial assistance in sustainable development
Uses powers to aid environment, alleviate impoverishment, improve status of women and reduce unemployment levels
UNDP reports to the General Assembly

18. Structure & Function of UN: Selected UN Agencies
UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization
promotes peaceful uses of scientific resources & research, improved education, cultural identity and free communication
Reports to ECOSOC

19. Structure & Function of UN: World Bank
Aims to improve standards of living by promoting economic growth and development
World Bank reports to ECOSOC

20. Structure & Function of UN: Selected UN Agencies
WHO: World Health Organization
Founded in 1948
Three guiding principles:
To give worldwide guidance in the field of health
To work with Member States in improving national health programs
To develop and transfer information and technology in order to attain the highest standards of health for all
WHO reports to ECOSOC