The United Nations

Introduction The United Nations is an international organization that promotes international law, international peace and security, economic and social development, and human rights. The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II to prevent wars between countries and to provide a place for countries to discuss problems rather than fight. There are currently 192 member states, including nearly every country in the world. Headquarters are in New York City.

Organization The UN is divided into 5 administrative bodies: General Assembly - the main group for discussion which includes all nations Security Council – focuses on international peace and security. It has five permanent members with veto power and ten changing members without veto power Economic and Social Council - assists in promoting international economic and social cooperation and development Secretariat - provides studies, information, and facilities needed by the United Nations International Court of Justice – settles legal disputes between nations and tries war criminals

UN General Assembly Chamber UN Security Council Chamber

UN Peacekeeping UN peacekeeping is a way to help countries torn by conflict create the conditions for lasting peace. Peacekeepers are soldiers (sometimes police officers) from member countries who monitor ceasefires and peace agreements. The first UN peacekeeping mission was in 1948. In 1956 a bigger force was sent to Suez in Egypt. Lester B. Pearson, who later became our Prime Minister, organized the mission. Since then, there have been a total of 63 UN peacekeeping operations around the world.

United Nations Divisions WHO – the World Health Organization coordinates research into and treatment of health concerns that affect the whole world UNICEF – the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund focuses on the health and education of children

And the future? The United Nations has been criticized for spending too much time talking. It is an expensive organization. Many of its decisions are difficult to enforce. Can we have a world government?