The United Nations (UN) is an international organisation founded in 1945. Its main goal is to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. The UN comprises various bodies, each with specific roles and functions to address global issues.
The UN General Assembly, often abbreviated as UNGA, is one of the six principal organs of the UN. It is a unique platform where all 193 member states come together to discuss and collaborate on international issues.
The main aim of the General Assembly is to provide a forum for all member states to present their viewpoints and work together on global challenges such as development, human rights, and international law. This body also makes recommendations through resolutions.
The General Assembly is headquartered at the UN headquarters in New York City. It was established in 1945 as part of the UN's founding charter. Notably, it convenes annually for a regular session that begins in September.
An example of its significant contribution was the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, aiming to tackle global challenges such as poverty and climate change.
The UN Security Council, commonly referred to as UNSC, is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has the authority to make binding decisions for member states.
The Security Council focuses on addressing threats to peace, such as conflicts, terrorism, and weapons proliferation. It can impose sanctions, authorise military action, and establish peacekeeping operations.
The UNSC is also headquartered in New York City. It was established in 1945 alongside the UN and was designed to be a decisive force in preventing conflicts.
The UNSC has played crucial roles in various global conflicts, including authorising peacekeeping missions in countries like Korea and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Economic and Social Council, or ECOSOC, is one of the principal organs of the UN. Its primary focus is to promote international economic and social cooperation and development.
ECOSOC works towards enhancing global economic prosperity, addressing social issues, and fostering sustainable development. It oversees a range of subsidiary bodies and commissions involved in health, education, and trade.
Like other UN bodies, ECOSOC is based in New York City and was created in 1945. Its origins trace back to the UN's vision of a more equitable world to promote social progress and better living standards.
An impactful example of ECOSOC's work includes its role in reviewing and coordinating international efforts towards achieving the SDGs.
The International Court of Justice, or ICJ, is the principal judicial organ of the UN. It settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues.
The ICJ aims to maintain peace and justice by providing a forum for resolving disputes based on international law, including territorial disputes and issues of sovereignty.
The ICJ is located in The Hague, Netherlands, and was established in 1945 as part of the UN Charter. It succeeded the Permanent Court of International Justice, which was created in 1920.
One prominent case was the ICJ's ruling in the case of Nicaragua vs. United States, which reinforced the importance of respecting international law and sovereignty.
