Purpose and Role

Astronomers are monitoring an asteroid named Apophis, which has a 1 in 45,000 chance of striking Earth on April 13, 2036.

"It's not just Apophis we're looking at. Every country is at risk. We need a set of general principles to deal with this issue," Schweickart, a member of the Apollo 9 crew that orbited the earth in March 1969 Schweickart wants to see the United Nations adopt procedures for assessing asteroid threats and deciding if and when to take action.

Is the U.N. the right agency to address the threat? Yes? No?

What is the Purpose of the UN?  maintain international peace and security  to develop friendly relations among nations  to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems  promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms  to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends

International Peace and Security The United Nations has often been called upon to prevent disputes from escalating into war. It has asked opposing parties to discuss there issues rather than go to war. It has also been asked to help restore peace when conflict breaks out. Peace building is also important because it has been shown that avoiding conflict is not enough to keep peace but fostering economic development, social justice, human rights protection, good governance, and the democratic process is also necessary.

Economic and Social Development The vast majority of the UN’s resources are devoted to economic development, social development and sustainable development. The impact of poverty and unemployment in one country can be felt by other countries by effects such as migration, social disruption and conflict.

Human Rights The UN is responsible for the creation of complete body of human rights laws It is a universal and internationally protected code of human rights.

Humanitarian Affairs The United Nations has been relied on by the international community to respond to natural and man-made disasters that are beyond the capacity of national authorities alone. Today, the UN is a major provider of emergency relief and longer-term assistance, a catalyst for action by governments and relief agencies, and an advocate on behalf of people struck by emergencies.respond

International Law In many areas, the United Nations legal work has been pioneering. It has been in the forefront of tackling problems as they take on an international dimension, providing the legal framework for for regulating the use of the oceans protecting the environment regulating migrant labor curbing drug trafficking combating terrorism And more….

Decolonization The United Nations has played a crucial role in that historic change by encouraging the aspirations of dependent peoples and by setting goals and standards to accelerate their attainment of independence. The Organization has also supervised elections leading to independence — in Togoland (1956 and 1968), Western Samoa (1961), Namibia (1989) and most recently a popular consultation in East Timor (1999).

Now ask yourself the question again: Do you think the United Nations is the right agency to address the threat of asteroids? Our class voted 58% No 42% Yes Our class felt that maybe representatives of various space agencies throughout the world might be able to make a better decision since they had more knowledge regarding the subject.