History of United Nations (UN) Formation

Study Notes

The League of Nations, established in 1920, failed to prevent the 2nd World War.
The United Nations (UN) was established on October 24, 1945, to replace the League of Nations.
The UN was founded with 51 member states, which has now grown to 193.

The UN aims to bring nations together for peace, development, justice, human dignity, and well-being.
The organization is based on the principles of justice, human dignity, and the well-being of all people.

The UN System includes funds, programmes, specialized agencies, each with their own area of work, leadership, and budget.
The UN itself is one part of the UN System.
Cooperation between the UN and other entities is essential to achieve the Organization's purposes.

General Assembly: main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN
Security Council: maintenance of international peace and security
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): coordination, policy review, policy dialogue, and recommendations on economic, social, and environmental issues
International Court of Justice: principal judicial organ, settling legal disputes between states and giving advice
Secretariat: carries out the day-to-day work of the UN, mandated by the General Assembly and other principal bodies
United Nations Trusteeship Council: ensures steps are taken to prepare territories for self-government and independence

Representatives of each member country meet in the General Assembly
Each country has a single vote
Decisions become resolutions with a majority vote
Major decisions, such as membership, require two-thirds of the Assembly's support