United Nations Formation and Mission Quiz: 1945 Onwards

Study Notes

Formation and Mission

The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 after the failure of the League of Nations (1926-1946).
The UN's mission is driven by the goals and ideals outlined in its founding Charter.

Language and Structure

The UN has six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
The Secretariat uses two working languages: English and French.
The UN is composed of 193 member states.

Goals and Principles

The UN has four main goals:
- Maintain international peace and security
- Foster friendly relations among nations
- Collaborate in resolving international economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems
- Promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and protect the Earth and its environment
Essential principles underlying the UN's purposes and functions:
- Sovereign equality of its members
- Disputes to be settled through peaceful means
- Refrain from the threat or use of force in violation of the UN's purposes
- Assist the organization in any enforcement actions under the Charter
- Non-intervention in matters considered within the domestic authority of any state

UN Organs

The six main organs of the UN are:

General Assembly
- Meeting of representatives of all member nations
- One vote per nation
- Meets once a year to discuss international problems, consider the UN budget, and elect the members of the Security Council
Security Council
- Charged with maintaining peace and security among countries
- Most powerful body of the UN
- Comprises five permanent members (United States, Britain, France, Russia, and China) and ten non-permanent members elected for two years by the General Assembly
- Permanent members have the power to veto any decisions and prevent any action
Secretariat
- Headed by the Secretary-General
- Consists of many employees
- Secretary-General's duties:
  - Help resolve international disputes
  - Administer peacekeeping operations
  - Organize international conferences
  - Gather information on the implementation of Security Council decisions
  - Consult with member governments regarding various international relationships
Trusteeship Council
- Aims to help countries under foreign rule attain independence
- Eleven such countries came under this system after World War II
- By 1994, all Trust Territories had attained independence, with Palau being the last
International Court of Justice
- Principal judicial organ of the UN
- Seat is in The Hague, Netherlands
- Composed of 15 judges elected by the General Assembly
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- Assists the General Assembly in promoting international economic and social cooperation and development

Description

Learn about the formation, mission, principles, and achievements of the United Nations, a global organization established in 1945. Understand the goals and ideals outlined in its founding Charter and the history leading to its establishment.