AN INTRO TO THE UNITED NATIONS (UN) CYDNEY SEIGERMAN GLOBAL CLASSROOMS WEEK 1

A BRIEF HISTORY Founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries Replaced the League of Nations Officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter was ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and by a majority of other signatories Initial goals 1.Maintain international peace and security 2.Cultivate amiable relations among nations 3.Promote social progress, better living standards and human rights Below: The official flag of the UN sources : wikipedia.com

THE CHARTER The Charter of the United Nations is the foundational treaty All members are bound by its articles Outlines structure of UN, its goals and responsibilities, and calls for maintenance of world peace and human rights Languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian The Chilean delegation signing the UN Charter in San Francisco, source: wikipedia.com sources :

THE UN TODAY 193 Members Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, Russian, French and Spanish The working languages at the UN Secretariat are English and French The UN Headquarters (above) is in New York City. However, the land and buildings are international territory. source: sources :

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL Head of UN Secretariat (one of the main UN organs) Also acts as spokesperson and leader of the UN 5-year, renewable term of office Current Secretary-General: Ban Ki-moon From South Korea Elected in 2006 (first term began 01/01/2007) Currently in his second term ( )

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE UN THE UN’S FOUR MAIN PURPOSES “1. To keep peace throughout the world; 2. To develop friendly relations among nations; 3. To help nations work together to improve the lives of poor people, to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms; 4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve these goals.” THE PRINCIPLES OF THE UN All Member States have sovereign equality. All Member States must obey the Charter. Countries must try to settle their differences by peaceful means. Countries must avoid using force or threatening to use force. The UN may not interfere in the domestic affairs of any country. Countries should try to assist the United Nations. sources :

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE UN Activity Time!