United Nations Organization

Introduction

After the First World War (1914–1918), an international organization called the League of Nations was established in 1920 with the primary goal of maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts. However, the League failed in its mission, as it could not prevent the outbreak of the Second World War (1939–1945). In response to this failure, the United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 to promote international peace and security. The League of Nations was officially dissolved in 1946. Later in 1945, representatives of 51 countries met in San Francisco and signed the document known as the United Nations Charter, making them the original members of the UN.

Purpose of the United Nations

1. To maintain international peace and security.
2. To promote economic growth and social development.
3. To protect and promote human rights.

Members of the United Nations

• Present Members: 193 countries
• Original Members: 51 countries (in 1945)
• Most Recent Member: South Sudan, which joined in July 2011
• Headquarters: New York, United States

Pillars of the United Nations

The Preamble of the UN Charter identifies four key pillars:

1. Peace and Security
2. Human Rights
3. Rule of Law
4. Development

Is India a member of United Nations?

Yes, India ratified the UN Charter on 30th October 1945.

United Nations Day

The United Nations officially came into existence on 24th October 1945, after the UN Charter was ratified by the five permanent members of the Security Council (United Kingdom, United States, Russia, France, and China) along with a majority of other countries.

Since then, 24th October is celebrated every year as United Nations Day to mark this historic event.

Languages of the United Nations

• In 1946, the General Assembly established Chinese, French, English, Russian, and Spanish as the official languages of the UN, with English and French as the working languages.
• In 1973, the General Assembly decided to include Arabic as both an official and a working language.
• At present, the United Nations has six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.

Structure of the United Nations Charter

The UN Charter, which serves as the constitution of the United Nations, is organized as follows:

1. Preamble
2. 19 Chapters
3. 111 Articles

Principal organs of the United Nations (Article 7)

1. General Assembly
2. Security Council
3. International Court of Justice
4. Economic and Social Council
5. Trusteeship Council
6. Secretariat

Conclusion

The United Nations was established in 1945 with the aim of promoting peace, security, cooperation and development among nations. Presently, it has 193 members states including India which ratified it on 30th October 1945. The UN day has been celebrated all over the world on 24th of October to revive its purpose and principles. UN govern by different organs which are enshrined under Article 7. Despite challenges, UN continues to play a vital role in addressing global issues such as Sustainable Development, international law and conflict resolution.