1. Monday 4/15 - Intro to the UN
Objective: Examine the purpose and function of the United Nations.
Discussion Question:
In your opinion, what is the best way to solve conflict? Explain what method you would use and why it would be successful!

2. The United Nations
Unit 6

3. I. Purpose The purpose of the United Nations is to
(a) bring all nations of the world together to work for peace and development,
(b) based on the principles of justice, human dignity and the well-being of all people.

4. I. Purpose It allows countries the
(c) opportunity to balance global interdependence (interests of the world) and national interests when addressing international problems.

5. II. Basic Facts (a) Started on October 24, 1945 with 51 members.
(b) Today there are 192 members.
The (c) United Nations Headquarters are in New York City – on international territory.

6. II. Basic Facts Six official languages are used
(d) Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
(e) Created after Holocaust/World War II as a way for countries to settle disputes peacefully.

7. III. The Charter of the United Nations
Charter: Describes the goals and principles of an organization.

8. III. The Charter of the United Nations
The United Nation’s constitution includes:
Purpose
Functions and duties
Describes constituents
How a state can become a member
The rights and obligations of member states
How to make changes to the charter
Statement of principles

9. The Structure of the UN
The UN meets regularly in sessions to consider the world’s most pressing problems.
Each country gets one vote.
Most decisions are decided by a simple majority.
They cannot force action on any country, but their recommendations are important for the indication of the world’s opinion on issues.

10. IV. The Structure of the UN
There are six parts:
The Secretariat/Secretary-General
The Security Council
The General Assembly
Economic and Social Council
Trusteeship Council
International Court of Justice

12. (a) The Secretariat/Secretary-General – Mr. Aney
Runs UN programs from peacekeeping to economic development.
Seen as the head of the United Nations.
Works as a research organization which compiles reports.
Operates a media and information center which is responsible for educating people globally about the UN’s projects.
Translates languages to ensure communication among member states.

13. (b) The Security Council - Members
A group of member states (usually the most powerful ones) who are given the right to make decisions for the entire organization.

14. The Security Council - Members
There are five permanent members
France
The People’s Republic of China
The Russian Federation
The United Kingdom
The United States
There are 10 nonpermanent members
They serve 2 year terms
Veto power – these countries can stop any proposals.

15. (c) The General Assembly
A president is elected to preside over the General Assembly.
This is where all member states deliberate and debate.
Often, the UN sends issues on the agenda to committees to be discussed.
They then draft and vote on proposals.

16. (c) The General Assembly
States tend to vote in groups.
Geographic ties
Common political, ideological, or religious beliefs
Developmental status

17. (d) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Interested in the promotion of human rights.

18. (e) Trusteeship Council
Helps colonies become independent countries.
They have not met since 1994.

19. (f) International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Peacefully mediates disputes and interprets treaties.

20. Lets Watch a Video on the history of the UN:

21. UN Countries Afghanistan Argentina Armenia Australia Brazil Canada
China
Cuba
France
Germany
Greece
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Italy
Japan
Egypt
Mexico
North Korea
Pakistan
Panama
Phillipines
Poland
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Thailand
Turkey
United Kingdom
Unites States of America

22. Homework
Read through the United Nations Charter & answer the discussion questions
Due Tomorrow!