United nations-

Introduction -

History -

What is the History of UN Foundation?

In 1899, the International Peace Conference was held in The Hague to elaborate instruments for settling crises peacefully,
preventing wars and codifying rules of warfare.
It adopted the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes and established the Permanent Court of
Arbitration, which began work in 1902. This court was the forerunner of UN International Court of Justice.
The forerunner of the United Nations was the League of Nations, an organization conceived in circumstances of the First World
War, and established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles "to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and
security."
The International Labour Organization (ILO) was also created in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the
League.
The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt. A document called The Declaration by
United Nations was signed in 1942 by 26 nations, pledging their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis
Powers (Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis) and bound them against making a separate peace.
United Nations Conference on International Organization (1945)
Conference held in San Francisco (USA), was attended by representatives of 50 countries and signed the United Nations Charter.
The UN Charter of 1945 is the foundational treaty of the United Nations, as an inter-governmental organization.

The United Nations (UN) is a global intergovernmental organization established after World War II to promote international
cooperation, maintain peace and security, protect human rights, and foster social and economic development. It was officially
founded on October 24, 1945, following the signing of the UN Charter by 51 countries in San Francisco.

The founding of the UN was a response to the devastating consequences of World War II, which highlighted the need for a new
system of global governance to prevent future conflicts and address pressing global challenges. The organization was envisioned
as a platform for all nations to come together, regardless of size or power, to work collectively for the betterment of humanity.

The UN is characterized by several key features:

1. Membership: The UN is open to all sovereign states that are willing to uphold its principles and commitments. Today, it boasts
nearly 200 member states, encompassing virtually all countries in the world.
2. General Assembly: The UN General Assembly serves as the principal deliberative body of the organization, where all member
states have equal representation. It provides a forum for nations to discuss and address a wide range of global issues, including
peace and security, development, and human rights.

3. Security Council: The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has five
permanent members - the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom - and ten non-permanent members
elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.

4. Secretariat: The UN Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General, is the administrative arm of the organization. It carries out
day-to-day functions and implements decisions made by the General Assembly and Security Council.

5. Specialized Agencies: The UN includes numerous specialized agencies, funds, and programs, such as the World Health
Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO). Each specialized agency focuses on specific areas of expertise and contributes to global development
and cooperation.

6. Peacekeeping: The UN conducts peacekeeping operations in conflict-affected regions to help stabilize the situation, protect
civilians, and facilitate political solutions to conflicts.

7. Human Rights: The UN is committed to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It adopted the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, setting a global standard for human rights protections.

8. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The UN has developed a set of 17 SDGs aimed at addressing global challenges such as
poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation by 2030.

The UN continues to be a central player in global affairs, providing a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and conflict resolution
among nations. While it faces various challenges and criticisms, its commitment to international peace, development, and
human rights remains at the core of its mission. The UN's work reflects the enduring belief that collective action and multilateral
cooperation are essential to create a more just, secure, and sustainable world for all.

Organs of UN-

The United Nations (UN) is composed of several organs and specialized agencies, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.
These organs work together to achieve the UN's objectives of maintaining international peace and security, promoting human
rights, and fostering global development. Here are the main organs of the UN and their respective works:

1. General Assembly:
The General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the UN, representing all member states on an equal footing. Its
responsibilities include:
- Debating and discussing global issues, including peace and security, development, and human rights.
- Adopting resolutions on various matters, although its resolutions are not legally binding on member states.
- Electing non-permanent members of the Security Council and members of other UN bodies.
2. Security Council:
The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has five permanent members with veto
power (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected by the
General Assembly for two-year terms. The Security Council's work includes:
- Peacekeeping: Authorizing and overseeing peacekeeping missions in conflict-affected regions.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing and mediating conflicts to prevent escalation and find peaceful solutions.
- Sanctions: Imposing economic and diplomatic sanctions on countries that threaten international peace and security.

3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):

ECOSOC is tasked with promoting international economic and social cooperation and development. Its functions include:
- Coordinating and formulating policies on economic, social, and environmental issues.
- Encouraging collaboration between UN specialized agencies, funds, and programs to address global challenges.
- Conducting regular reviews of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4. Secretariat:
The Secretariat is the administrative arm of the UN, headed by the Secretary-General. Its responsibilities include:
- Implementing decisions made by the General Assembly, Security Council, and other UN bodies.
- Providing support to peacekeeping operations and special envoys.
- Preparing reports and studies on international issues.

5. International Court of Justice (ICJ):

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN and settles legal disputes between states. Its functions include:
- Adjudicating legal disputes submitted by states and providing advisory opinions on legal questions referred by UN bodies.

6. Trusteeship Council:
The Trusteeship Council was originally established to oversee trust territories under the administration of member states. As all
trust territories have achieved self-government or independence, the Council is currently inactive.

7. Secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

The IAEA is an independent UN agency responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing the
proliferation of nuclear weapons.

8. Specialized Agencies, Funds, and Programs:

The UN includes numerous specialized agencies, funds, and programs, each addressing specific global issues. Some examples
include WHO (World Health Organization), UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), and UNDP (United Nations Development
Programme).

Each organ and agency of the UN plays a vital role in the organization's efforts to address global challenges and advance peace,
development, and human rights. By working together, these entities contribute to building a more just, secure, and sustainable
world.
Working of each organ-

The United Nations (UN) works through its various organs by utilizing their specific mandates, functions, and powers to address
global challenges, promote cooperation among member states, and advance the organization's goals. Here's how each UN
organ operates and contributes to the overall functioning of the UN:

1. General Assembly:
The General Assembly serves as the primary deliberative and policymaking body of the UN. It works through:
- Debates and Discussions: Member states participate in debates on a wide range of issues, raising concerns, presenting
viewpoints, and seeking common ground on global challenges.
- Adoption of Resolutions: The General Assembly adopts resolutions on matters of international importance. While these
resolutions are not legally binding, they represent the collective will and commitment of member states.

2. Security Council:
The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It operates through:
- Peacekeeping: The Security Council authorizes peacekeeping missions to conflict-affected regions, deploying troops and
resources to facilitate peace and stability.
- Conflict Resolution: The Security Council convenes meetings and negotiations to address conflicts and find peaceful
resolutions, often engaging in diplomatic efforts and mediating between conflicting parties.
- Imposing Sanctions: In cases of threats to international peace and security, the Security Council can impose economic and
diplomatic sanctions on countries to encourage compliance with its resolutions.

3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):

ECOSOC works to promote international economic and social cooperation and development. It operates through:
- Coordination of UN Entities: ECOSOC coordinates the work of various specialized agencies, funds, and programs, ensuring their
efforts align with global development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Policy Formulation: ECOSOC formulates policies on economic, social, and environmental issues, recommending strategies for
member states to achieve sustainable development.

4. Secretariat:
The Secretariat is the UN's administrative arm, led by the Secretary-General. It operates through:
- Implementation of Decisions: The Secretariat carries out decisions made by the General Assembly, Security Council, and other
UN bodies. It oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization.
- Support for Peacekeeping: The Secretariat provides logistical and administrative support to peacekeeping missions and assists
special envoys in conflict resolution efforts.

5. International Court of Justice (ICJ):

The ICJ serves as the UN's principal judicial organ, addressing legal disputes between states. It operates through:
- Adjudication: The ICJ hears and settles contentious disputes submitted by states, providing legally binding judgments to
resolve legal conflicts.
- Advisory Opinions: The ICJ offers non-binding advisory opinions on legal questions referred by UN bodies, helping to clarify
legal matters of global significance.

Through these organs and their specific roles, the UN facilitates dialogue, cooperation, and problem-solving among member
states. By leveraging its diverse mechanisms, the organization addresses challenges ranging from armed conflicts and
humanitarian crises to economic development and environmental sustainability, striving to create a more peaceful, just, and
prosperous world.

As of my last update in September 2021, the organs of the United Nations (UN) continue to be activated and operate in
response to various global challenges and issues. The activation of these organs depends on the nature of the problem or
situation at hand. Here's how some of the main UN organs are currently activated:

1. General Assembly:
The General Assembly convenes annually for its regular sessions, which usually begin in September and conclude in December.
During these sessions, member states participate in debates, discuss global issues, and adopt resolutions on various matters.
Additionally, the General Assembly can hold special sessions in response to emerging crises or specific issues.

2. Security Council:
The Security Council meets regularly to address threats to international peace and security. It is continuously activated to
respond to conflicts, crises, and humanitarian emergencies around the world. When a situation requires immediate attention,
the Security Council can hold emergency special sessions to discuss and take actions, such as adopting resolutions or
authorizing peacekeeping missions.

3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):

ECOSOC holds several meetings and sessions throughout the year to promote international economic and social cooperation
and discuss sustainable development issues. It convenes its High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development annually to
review progress on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4. Secretariat:
The Secretariat, led by the Secretary-General, is continually active in implementing decisions made by the UN organs. The
Secretary-General plays a crucial role in engaging with member states, facilitating diplomatic efforts, and addressing global
challenges through his/her "good offices."

5. International Court of Justice (ICJ):

The ICJ is activated when a state files a case against another state, seeking a resolution to a legal dispute. The Court holds
regular sessions throughout the year to hear cases and deliver judgments. Additionally, the ICJ can provide advisory opinions
when requested by UN bodies on legal questions.

It is essential to note that the UN operates 24/7, and its organs can be activated at any time to address emergent crises,
conflicts, or global issues. The activation and functioning of these organs depend on the collective will and engagement of
member states, as well as the Secretary-General's role in convening meetings, facilitating dialogues, and mobilizing international
responses to challenges and opportunities.
Objectives -

The United Nations (UN) was established with several overarching objectives, as outlined in its founding Charter. These
objectives reflect the fundamental principles and values that guide the organization's work in promoting international
cooperation and addressing global challenges. The main objectives of the UN include:

1. International Peace and Security:

The primary objective of the UN is to maintain international peace and security, preventing conflicts and working towards the
peaceful resolution of disputes among nations. The UN Charter emphasizes the peaceful settlement of disputes and the
avoidance of war as a means of resolving conflicts.

2. Promotion of Human Rights:

The UN is committed to promoting and protecting human rights globally. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted
by the UN General Assembly in 1948, serves as a cornerstone of international human rights law, setting out the fundamental
rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled.

3. Economic and Social Development:

The UN aims to promote economic and social progress and improve living standards for people worldwide. It seeks to address
issues of poverty, inequality, hunger, education, healthcare, and other social and economic challenges through sustainable
development initiatives.

4. Respect for International Law:

The UN promotes respect for international law and the principles of sovereign equality of states, non-interference in the
internal affairs of other nations, and peaceful coexistence. The UN Charter serves as a framework for guiding the conduct of
member states in their relations with one another.

5. Humanitarian Assistance and Protection:

The UN is actively engaged in providing humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and
other emergencies. It works to protect civilians, refugees, and displaced persons, providing aid and support to vulnerable
populations.

6. Cooperation in International Law and Justice:

The UN fosters cooperation among nations to address transnational issues such as terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking,
and environmental challenges. It promotes adherence to international law and international cooperation in legal matters.

7. Respect for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:

The UN recognizes the rights and unique cultural identities of indigenous peoples and works to protect their rights and ensure
their full participation in decision-making processes that affect them.

8. Gender Equality and Empowerment:

The UN advocates for gender equality and women's empowerment, recognizing the importance of women's active participation
in all aspects of society and decision-making processes.

9. Promotion of Education and Cultural Exchange:

The UN promotes education, cultural exchange, and cooperation in the fields of science, culture, communication, and
information to foster mutual understanding and dialogue among nations.

10. Global Environmental Sustainability:

The UN addresses environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and seeks to promote
sustainable development practices to protect the planet for future generations.

These objectives represent the core principles and values that guide the UN's work in advancing peace, human rights, and
global cooperation to create a more just, secure, and sustainable world for all.

Principles -

The United Nations (UN) operates on a set of fundamental principles outlined in its founding Charter. These principles serve as
the guiding values and norms that underpin the work and operations of the organization. The main principles of the UN are:

1. Sovereign Equality of States:

The UN recognizes the sovereign equality of all its member states, regardless of their size, power, or wealth. Each state has
equal rights and responsibilities in international affairs and is entitled to respect for its territorial integrity and political
independence.

2. Peaceful Resolution of Disputes:

The UN is committed to resolving international disputes through peaceful means, such as negotiation, mediation, and
arbitration. It promotes diplomacy and seeks to prevent conflicts from escalating into armed hostilities.

3. Non-Interference in Internal Affairs:

The UN upholds the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of member states. It respects their sovereignty and the
right to self-determination, without interference in their political, economic, and social systems.

4. Collective Security:
The UN Charter establishes a system of collective security, wherein member states pledge to take joint action against aggression
and threats to international peace. The Security Council plays a crucial role in authorizing measures to maintain global security.

5. Respect for Human Rights:

The UN is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights for all individuals without discrimination. It upholds the
principles of dignity, equality, and freedom, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

6. Promotion of Social Progress and Better Standards of Life:

The UN aims to improve living conditions and well-being worldwide. It endeavors to address poverty, hunger, disease, and
socio-economic inequalities, striving for social progress and better standards of life for all.

7. Non-Use of Force, Except in Self-Defense:

The UN prohibits the use of force or the threat of force against other states, except in cases of self-defense under the UN
Charter or when authorized by the Security Council to maintain international peace and security.

8. Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy:

The UN promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy for the benefit of humanity. It seeks to prevent the proliferation of nuclear
weapons and encourages the safe development of nuclear technology for civilian purposes.

9. Respect for International Law:

The UN upholds the importance of international law as the foundation of civilized relations among nations. Member states are
expected to adhere to their international obligations and fulfill their commitments.

10. Cooperation to Solve International Problems:

The UN emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to address global challenges, including economic, social,
cultural, and humanitarian issues. It encourages states to work together in finding solutions to shared problems.

These principles guide the UN's activities and interactions with member states, reflecting the organization's commitment to
promoting peace, human rights, development, and cooperation on the world stage.

Relevance in current scenario-

Certainly! Let's explore the relevance of the United Nations (UN) in the present context with specific examples:

1. Addressing Global Health Crises:

Example: COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO), as a specialized agency of the UN, played a central role
in coordinating international efforts to respond to the health crisis. The WHO provided guidance on public health measures,
shared information on the virus and its spread, facilitated the distribution of medical supplies, and supported countries in their
vaccination campaigns.

2. Promoting Environmental Protection and Climate Action:

Example: Paris Agreement
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement exemplify the UN's relevance in
addressing climate change. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, brought together almost all countries to commit to limiting
global warming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

3. Humanitarian Assistance:
Example: Syrian Refugee Crisis
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid and protection to
millions of Syrian refugees displaced by the ongoing conflict in Syria. UNHCR's efforts include ensuring access to food, shelter,
healthcare, and education for those forced to flee their homes.
4. Sustainable Development:
Example: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals aimed at addressing various socio-economic and
environmental challenges. Countries are working together under the UN's framework to achieve these goals by 2030. For
instance, efforts are being made to eradicate poverty (Goal 1), ensure access to quality education (Goal 4), and promote clean
energy (Goal 7).

5. Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution:

Example: Peacekeeping Missions
The UN's peacekeeping operations are deployed to various regions facing conflicts and instability. For instance, the United
Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) works to protect civilians, facilitate political solutions, and support peacebuilding
efforts in the country.

6. Advancing Gender Equality:

Example: UN Women
UN Women, the UN entity dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment, has been actively working to promote
gender equality in various spheres, such as women's economic empowerment, ending violence against women, and increasing
women's participation in decision-making processes.

7. Cultural Heritage and Education:

Example: World Heritage Sites and Education Initiatives
UNESCO is responsible for protecting and promoting cultural heritage worldwide. It designates and preserves World Heritage
Sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Pyramids of Egypt, for their cultural and historical significance. UNESCO also leads
initiatives to promote education and cultural exchange, fostering global understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.

These examples demonstrate how the UN and its specialized agencies play a pivotal role in addressing critical global issues,
providing assistance to those in need, fostering international cooperation, and working towards a more sustainable and
equitable world. The UN's relevance lies in its ability to mobilize nations to collectively tackle challenges and find solutions that
benefit humanity as a whole.