UN Structure
Introduction to the United Nations
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II. Its primary goals are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress and human rights. It is the most significant global organization and a central theme in General Knowledge.
Classification: The Principal Organs
- General Assembly: The main deliberative assembly; all 193 member states are represented.
- Security Council: Responsible for maintaining international peace (5 Permanent members, 10 Non-permanent).
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Coordinates economic and social work.
- Secretariat: The administrative arm, led by the Secretary-General.
- International Court of Justice (ICJ): The primary judicial organ, based in The Hague, Netherlands.
The UN Statistics & Facts Master Table
| Feature | Detail / Value | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Established | October 24, 1945 | Known as United Nations Day |
| Headquarters | New York City, USA | International territory |
| Permanent 5 (P5) | USA, UK, FR, RU, CN | Possess Veto Power |
| Current Sec-Gen | Antonio Guterres | Former PM of Portugal |
| Official Languages | 6 (E, F, R, S, C, A) | English, French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic |
| Total Members | 193 States | Last member: South Sudan (2011) |
Key Scientific & Diplomatic Facts
- Veto Power allows any of the five permanent members of the Security Council to prevent the adoption of any "substantive" draft Council resolution.
- The World Bank and IMF (International Monetary Fund) are specialized agencies within the UN system, though they operate with significant autonomy.
- WHO (World Health Organization) is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and coordinates global health responses.
- UNICEF (UN Children's Fund) focuses on providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
- UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is famous for its "World Heritage Sites" program.
Subject Card Prompts (Flashcards)
- Q: In which year was the United Nations founded?
- A: 1945.
- Q: How many permanent members are in the UN Security Council?
- A: Five (P5).
- Q: Where is the headquarters of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
- A: The Hague (Netherlands).
- Q: Who was the first Secretary-General of the UN?
- A: Trygve Lie (Norway).
Practice MCQ
"Which of the following countries is NOT a permanent member of the UN Security Council?"
A) China
B) Germany
C) France
D) Russia
(Correct: B - Germany)