1. United Nations: Its Your World! Presented by Shonika P. and Andrew G.

2. What is the United Nations • The UN was created in response to WWII after the failure of the League of Nations • Out of WWII, came a need for a worldwide forum where nations would be able to communicate peacefully • Today it’s comprised of 191 member nations

3. The UN Charter • In 1945, representatives from 50 countries met in San Francisco at the UN Conference on International Organization to draw up the UN Charter • The UN officially came into existence on October 24, 1945 • United Nations Day is now celebrated on this day.

4. What is its Function • Promote international cooperation • Maintain peace and security throughout the world • Develop friendly relations amongst nations • Cooperate in solving international problems • Promote respect for human rights • Be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations

5. Organs of the UN • General Assembly • Security Council • Economic and Social Council • Trusteeship Council • The Secretariat • The International Court of Justice • Also known as The Hague

6. General Assembly • “Parliament of Nations” • Each member has one vote • Decision on key issues such as international peace and security and admitting new members are decided by two-thirds majority • All other votes are decided by simple majority • Holds annual sessions from September to December • If necessary emergency sessions can be called such as during September 11th • Has six main committees who carry out various tasks when the Assembly is not meeting

7. Security Council • Fifteen Council members—five that are permanent • China • France • Russian Federation • United Kingdom • United States • Other Council members are elected by the General Assembly for two year terms

8. Economic and Social Council • Coordinates the economic and social work of the United Nations and the UN family of organizations • Plays key role in fostering international cooperation for development • Has 54 members, elected by General Assembly for three-year terms

9. Trusteeship Council • Was established to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories administered by the member states • Ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government or independence

10. The Hague • Known as the International Court of Justice, or the World Court • Is the main justice organ of the UN • Participation by states in a proceeding is voluntary, but if a state agrees to participate, it is obligated to comply with the Court’s decision

11. The Secretariat • Carries out the substantive and administrative work of the United Nations as directed by the General Assembly, Security Council, and the other organs. • At its head is the Secretary-General, who provides overall administrative guidance • Duty stations include the UN headquarters in New York, as well as Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, and other locations.

12. The UN Family • Consists if 14 independent organizations also known as “specialized agencies” which are linked to the UN through cooperative agreements • They have wide-ranging international responsibilities in the economic, social, cultural, educational, and health-related fields • All these organizations have their own governing bodies, budgets, and secretariats. • Together, they provide technical assistance and other forms of practical help in virtually all economic and social areas