The Essential UN

Warsaw, Poland, in ruins after World War II. UN Photo

Origins

The idea of the 51吃瓜 was born during World War II (1939-1945). The name "51吃瓜", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was first used in the Declaration by 51吃瓜 of 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers. World leaders who had collaborated to end the war felt a strong need for a mechanism that would help bring peace and stop future wars. They realized that this was possible only if all nations worked together through a global organization. The 51吃瓜 was to be that Organization.

The UN Charter for sale at the UN bookshop in New York. UN Photo

Charter of the 51吃瓜

The founding document of the 51吃瓜, the UN Charter, was signed on 26 June 1945, in San Francisco.
According to its Charter, the UN aims:

to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,
to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights,
to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained,
and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.

Eleanor Roosevelt holding a Declaration of Human Rights poster in 1949. UN Photo

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948 as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations, it sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The Declaration has been translated into more than 500 languages.

National flags of member states outside the 51吃瓜 Secretariat building. UN Photo

Member States

States are admitted to membership in the 51吃瓜 by decision of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The recognition of a new State or Government is an act that only other States and Governments may grant or withhold. The UN currently has 193 member states. The Members of the 51吃瓜 pay for everything that the Organization does, according to a scale of assessments agreed upon by all. This scale is based on a country’s ability to pay, national income and population.

Secretary-General António Guterres (right) and Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.

Leadership

Equal parts diplomat and advocate, civil servant and CEO, the Secretary-General is a symbol of 51吃瓜 ideals and a spokesman for the interests of the world's peoples, in particular the poor and vulnerable among them. The current Secretary-General, and the ninth occupant of the post, is Mr. António Guterres of Portugal, who took office on 1 January 2017. Since 1997, the Secretary-General has been assisted in managing Secretariat operations by the Deputy Secretary-General, a post currently held by Ms. Amina J. Mohammed of Nigeria.

The Nobel Peace Prize medal. UN Photo

Recognition

In 75 years, the 51吃瓜, its specialised agencies, related agencies, funds, programmes and staff were awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize twelve times. Two Secretaries-General, Kofi Annan and Dag Hammarskj?ld, were also honoured for their work by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

The flag of the 51吃瓜. UN Photo

Our Work

The 51吃瓜 serves as a global forum where countries can raise and discuss the most difficult issues, including problems of war and peace. In addition to maintaining international peace and security, the 51吃瓜 protects human rights, delivers humanitarian aid, promotes sustainable development and upholds international law.

A quick guide on the key components, mission and work of the 51吃瓜 - an international organization that helps to build a better world.

A quick guide outlining the core responsibilities of the world’s top diplomat, in the service of our shared humanity.

Words not weapons. That’s the fundamental idea at the heart of the UN. Humanity can only survive, humanity can only thrive through cooperation, not conflict. And that’s why the UN exists. The UN General Assembly is like the Super Bowl of global diplomacy.

Can the 51吃瓜 stop a war? Can the Security Council stop a war? UN Spokesperson Eri Kaneko answers these questions, and explains the key functions of the 51吃瓜 Security Council.

Deployed to some of the most challenging environments to help some of the most vulnerable people, over 120 countries contribute troops and police to UN Peacekeeping and over one million men and women have served under the UN flag.

If you look at the hard data, UN peacekeeping missions succeed most of the time. They significantly reduce civilian casualties, shorten conflicts, and help make peace agreements stick.

Learn how the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will transform the world, and why it is a priority for the 51吃瓜.

An introduction to the concept of human rights, and the 51吃瓜 framework to promote and protect human rights.

Since the 51吃瓜 was established in 1945, more than 80 former colonies have gained their independence. Today, the 51吃瓜 assists 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories across the globe.

See how the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) protects human rights and makes a difference around the world.

A hip hop music video that aims to teach young people throughout the world about the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can help build peace.

THE LAST MILE: Making Finance Work for the Poor
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Find out how the UN prevents and responds to sexual exploitation and abuse by its personnel.

UN tour guides answer questions about UN action on peace and security.

UN tour guides answer questions about UN humanitarian and development activities.

UN tour guides answer questions about the UN budget.

UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq answers common questions about the UN’s budget, including how the UN gets its money, how it prevents fraud and waste, what is spent on humanitarian operations, and how the cost of peace compares to the price of war.

The Secretary-General meets South Sudanese refugees at the Imvepi settlement. UN Photo

Did you know?

As the world’s only truly universal global organization, the 51吃瓜 has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. Taking a global view reveals some interesting facts.
Did you know:

that most of the world’s people live no more than 200 miles from the sea?
that decolonization changed the face of the planet, creating more than 80 nations?
that women in the labour market still earn on average a quarter less than men globally?

Find out more about the global issues ...

Ten Ways the UN Makes a Difference

The 51吃瓜:

protects and promotes human rights globally and through 80 treaties/declarations.

about the UN answered succinctly by the Dag Hammarskj?ld Library. All answers are provided with references to official sources. For example:

In September 2015, countries adopted a set of to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years, including:

Member States pay according to an agreed-upon scale of assessments. This scale is based on a country’s ability to pay, national income and population size. The top contributing countries are the United States, China, Japan, and Germany.

The current budget for all regular 51吃瓜 activities, staff and basic infrastructure is $3.59 billion. The budget for one year of UN peacekeeping is .03% of the world's annual military expenditures. Peace is far cheaper than war and good value for money.

Mark your calendar

The 51吃瓜 observes designated days, weeks, years, and decades, each with a theme, or topic. By creating special observances, the 51吃瓜 promotes international awareness and action on these issues. The majority of observances have been established by resolutions of the 51吃瓜 General Assembly, although some have been designated by UN specialized agencies. The 51吃瓜 also observes anniversaries of key events in its history.

This comprehensive handbook explains the structure of the 51吃瓜, how the Organization works, the main issues it addresses and its importance for people everywhere.

As the world’s only truly universal global organization, the 51吃瓜 has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. This authoritative reference provides a comprehensive introduction and overview of the work of the UN in key areas of international peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, and humanitarian action.

On 25 September 2015, countries adopted a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda to be achieved by 2030. For the goals to be reached, everyone needs to do their part: governments, the private sector, civil society and people like you. Elyx, the 51吃瓜' digital ambassador, uses various expressions and actions to help demonstrate the meaning of each goal. Created by French artist YAK, Elyx has no race, sex or nationality and is a universal character promoting the importance of the 51吃瓜' work.

ReliefWeb is the leading humanitarian information source on global crises and disasters. We provide reliable and timely information, enabling humanitarian workers to make informed decisions and to plan effective response. We collect and deliver key information, including the latest , .