United Nations: Building a Better World Together
- Established In: 26 June 1945 (signed); 26 October 1945 (came into force)
- Location: New York City, United States
- Headquarters:Manhattan, New York City, United States
- Members: 193 Members including United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, Republic of China, France
- Website: www.un.org
Overview
The United Nations (UN) is one of the most significant organizations in modern history, playing a critical role in fostering international cooperation, maintaining global peace, and promoting sustainable development. This comprehensive guide by Academic Block explores the United Nations' history, goals, structure, agencies, and its impact on the world, providing valuable insights for readers seeking to understand its relevance in the 21st century.
Introduction to the United Nations
The United Nations, often abbreviated as the UN, is an intergovernmental organization established to promote international peace, security, and cooperation. With 193 member states, the UN serves as a platform for nations to discuss global challenges and work together to find solutions.
Founded in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, the UN replaced the League of Nations, which failed to prevent the outbreak of the war. The organization’s creation was driven by a collective desire to prevent future conflicts and create a platform for dialogue among nations.
History of the United Nations
The idea of a global organization promoting peace was first proposed during World War II. Here’s a brief timeline of key milestones:
- Today, October 24 is celebrated as United Nations Day.
Structure of the United Nations
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The UN has a complex structure, comprising six main organs and numerous specialized agencies.
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The General Assembly : The General Assembly is the main deliberative body, where all 193 member states have equal representation. Each country has one vote, and discussions cover a wide range of global issues.
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The Security Council : Responsible for maintaining international peace and security, the Security Council has 15 members:
- 5 Permanent Members : China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (with veto power).
- 10 Non-Permanent Members : Elected for two-year terms.
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The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) : This body focuses on economic, social, and environmental issues, working closely with specialized agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
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The International Court of Justice (ICJ) : Based in The Hague, the ICJ resolves legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on international law.
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The Secretariat : Led by the Secretary-General, the Secretariat handles the UN’s administrative work. The current Secretary-General is António Guterres (as of 2025).
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The Trusteeship Council : Originally established to oversee territories transitioning to self-governance, the Trusteeship Council suspended operations in 1994 after the last trust territory gained independence.
The Security Council can authorize military action, impose sanctions, and establish peacekeeping missions.
Objectives of the United Nations
The UN operates based on four main objectives outlined in its Charter:
Veto Power in the United Nations Security Council
The veto power is a unique and powerful mechanism granted to the five permanent members (P5) of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This privilege allows any of these members to block the adoption of substantive resolutions, even if the majority of other Security Council members support them.
The veto power was established in the UN Charter in 1945 to ensure that the major Allied powers of World War II had a central role in maintaining global peace. It reflects the political realities of the time but has been a source of criticism due to its implications on decision-making.
(i) How Veto Power Works
A resolution requires at least nine votes in favor from the 15-member Security Council, but if even one permanent member casts a veto, the resolution fails. This mechanism has been used frequently in disputes involving military interventions, sanctions, and peacekeeping efforts.
(ii) Key Examples of Veto Use
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Syria : Russia and China have used their vetoes to block UN resolutions against the Assad regime, preventing effective international intervention.
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Israel-Palestine : The US has repeatedly used its veto to block resolutions condemning Israeli actions, frustrating efforts for peace and a two-state solution.
The veto system, while preventing unilateral action, has often hindered the UNSC’s ability to address pressing global crises effectively.
(iii) Criticisms and Challenges in Veto
The veto is often criticized for enabling political gridlock. Countries accuse P5 members of using it to protect their national interests, even at the expense of global peace. Calls for reform, including limiting veto use, have grown stronger to make the UNSC more democratic and effective.
Rationale and Challenges
The veto was intended to avoid unilateral decisions by major powers post-WWII, maintaining international stability. However, it has frequently been used to protect national interests, creating deadlocks and inaction on critical matters like the Syrian conflict and the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
Key Examples of Veto Use
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Syria: Russia and China have used their vetoes to block UN resolutions against the Assad regime, preventing effective international intervention.
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Israel-Palestine: The US has repeatedly used its veto to block resolutions condemning Israeli actions, frustrating efforts for peace and a two-state solution.
The veto system, while preventing unilateral action, has often hindered the UNSC’s ability to address pressing global crises effectively.
Specialized Agencies of the United Nations
The UN works through various specialized agencies to address specific global challenges.
Membership and the Group of 77 in the United Nations
The United Nations (UN) is composed of 193 member states, making it a near-universal organization representing countries from every region of the world. Membership in the UN is open to all sovereign states willing to accept the obligations outlined in the UN Charter. Each member state has equal representation in the General Assembly, regardless of size or power.
Membership Overview:
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Founding Members (1945) : The UN began with 51 member states.
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Current Membership : As of today, there are 193 countries in the UN.
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Observer States : Entities like the Holy See and Palestine hold observer status but cannot vote.
What is the Group of 77 (G77)?
The Group of 77 (G77) is a coalition of developing nations established in 1964 to promote their collective economic interests within the UN. Originally formed by 77 countries, the group has grown to include 134 members, making it the largest intergovernmental organization of developing states in the UN.
Key Features of the G77:
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Focuses on issues like trade, development, and technology transfer.
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Aims to strengthen the voice of developing nations in global decision-making.
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Works closely with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The G77 plays a vital role in fostering unity among developing countries while advocating for equitable global economic policies.
Reasons for Reform
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Economic and Political Contributions: Countries like India and Brazil contribute significantly to global peacekeeping efforts and the world economy. They believe their exclusion from the P5 undermines the UNSC's legitimacy.
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Regional Representation: Proposals for reform include adding new permanent members without veto power to ensure fairer regional representation. Another suggestion is a rotating model of membership to address underrepresentation.
These reforms aim to make the UNSC more reflective of current global power dynamics and ensure more inclusive decision-making.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the primary development agency of the United Nations, established in 1965. It works in over 170 countries and territories, focusing on eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and driving sustainable development. Below is an overview of the key aspects of the UNDP:
- Democratic governance
- Climate action
- Disaster resilience
- Gender equality
- Climate adaptation and renewable energy programs
The UNDP’s impact is far-reaching, helping countries tackle global challenges like poverty, climate change, and inequality. It is a critical player in fostering innovation, building capacity, and promoting sustainable progress in developing nations.
The Role of the United Nations in Global Peace
One of the UN’s most crucial roles is maintaining peace. It achieves this through:
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UN Peacekeeping Missions : Deploying forces to conflict zones to maintain order and protect civilians.
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Mediation and Conflict Resolution : Facilitating dialogue between warring parties.
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Sanctions and Diplomacy : Using economic measures and diplomatic pressure to resolve disputes.
Successful missions include peacekeeping efforts in countries like Sierra Leone, Cambodia, and East Timor.
Criticism and Challenges faced by the United Nations
Despite its achievements, the UN faces criticism and challenges, including:
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Ineffectiveness in Conflict Resolution : In cases like Syria and Yemen, the UN has struggled to enforce peace due to political divisions.
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Bureaucracy and Inefficiency : The organization is often accused of slow decision-making and excessive bureaucracy.
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Dependence on Major Powers : The veto power of permanent Security Council members can hinder effective action.
Key Achievements of the United Nations
The UN has made significant contributions to global peace and development, including:
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Establishing Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
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Eradicating smallpox in 1980 through WHO-led efforts.
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Mediating peace treaties and ending conflicts worldwide.
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Launching the Paris Agreement (2015) to combat climate change.
Final Words
The United Nations remains a cornerstone of international diplomacy, striving to build a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable world. While challenges persist, its role in addressing global issues underscores its importance in fostering cooperation among nations. Hope you liked this article by Academic Block, please provide your insightful thoughts in the comment section below to make this article better. Thanks for Reading!
Questions and answers related to the United Nations (1945):
The United Nations was established in 1945 after World War II to prevent future global conflicts, foster international peace, and promote cooperation among nations. It replaced the League of Nations, ensuring a stronger framework for diplomacy, collective security, and humanitarian efforts. Today, it plays a crucial role in conflict resolution, human rights, and sustainable development.
The headquarters of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is located in New York City, United States. From here, UNDP oversees its operations in more than 170 countries, focusing on poverty reduction, democratic governance, climate action, and sustainable development. Its central location ensures close coordination with other UN agencies and global decision-making bodies.
To work at the United Nations, candidates must apply through the official UN Careers portal. Applicants are expected to have advanced degrees, relevant experience, and multilingual skills. Opportunities include professional roles, internships, and volunteer programs. The UN seeks individuals with expertise in diplomacy, development, law, environment, and humanitarian affairs to address global challenges collaboratively.
The United Nations addresses global peace, security, and development. Its core work includes peacekeeping missions, humanitarian relief, climate action, poverty eradication, and human rights protection. Specialized UN agencies like WHO, UNESCO, and UNDP focus on health, education, and sustainable development. It remains the central platform for multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation worldwide.
The United Nations was founded in 1945 by 51 member states, including major powers such as the United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, China, and France. These nations played a central role in drafting the UN Charter. The founding states sought to create a permanent global body to maintain peace, security, and international cooperation.
Yes, UNDP offers paid internships in select locations. As of 2025, most interns receive a stipend ranging from $700 to $1,000 per month, depending on duty station and funding availability. Internships provide valuable international experience in development, governance, and policy. Interested applicants must apply via the UNDP careers website and meet academic eligibility requirements.
As of 2025, the United Nations has 193 member states and two observer states—Vatican City (Holy See) and Palestine. Membership is open to any sovereign state that accepts the UN Charter and is approved by the General Assembly. This makes the UN the most inclusive international body representing nearly all countries in the world.
Member states joined the United Nations at different times since its founding in 1945. For example, India joined in 1945, Japan in 1956, Germany in 1973, and South Sudan in 2011, becoming the newest member. A complete chronological list of admission dates is available on the UN website under “Member States” documentation.
The primary purpose of UNDP is to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality through sustainable development. It assists countries in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on democratic governance, crisis recovery, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. UNDP works in over 170 countries, supporting governments with policy advice, capacity building, and global partnerships.
The United Nations was founded in 1945, following the devastation of World War II. The UN Charter was signed in San Francisco by 51 countries to promote peace, security, and cooperation. Over decades, the UN expanded to 193 members, leading initiatives in peacekeeping, decolonization, human rights, and sustainable development, making it central to global governance.
The United Nations was founded in 1945 to maintain global peace, strengthen international security, and promote cooperation among nations. Its purpose includes fostering human rights, sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and international law. The UN serves as a global forum where member states resolve disputes peacefully and collectively address worldwide challenges such as climate change and poverty.
Five key specialized agencies of the United Nations include: the World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Each agency operates independently under the UN framework, addressing critical global issues from health and labor rights to education, food security, and financial stability.
As of 2025, the United Nations has 193 member states. Additionally, two entities like Palestine and the Holy See (Vatican City) hold observer status. Membership is open to all sovereign states that accept the obligations of the UN Charter. This universal representation makes the UN the world’s most inclusive international organization, addressing issues from diplomacy to sustainable development.
As of September 2025, the United Nations is conducting 12 active peacekeeping missions worldwide. These operations are deployed in conflict-affected regions such as Mali, South Sudan, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. UN peacekeeping missions aim to maintain peace, protect civilians, support political processes, and facilitate humanitarian assistance under mandates approved by the Security Council.
UNDP internship requirements include enrollment in a graduate or postgraduate program, or graduation within the last year. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, research skills, and interest in development issues. Fluency in English is essential, while knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage. Applicants should apply through UNDP’s careers portal for available internship opportunities globally.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development agency operating in over 170 countries. It focuses on poverty eradication, democratic governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development. UNDP helps nations achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through technical expertise, policy advice, and financial support, ensuring inclusive growth and resilience against social, economic, and environmental challenges.
UNDP, the United Nations Development Programme, was established in 1965 to drive sustainable development worldwide. It partners with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement projects addressing inequality, poverty, governance, and environmental sustainability. With its headquarters in New York, UNDP supports capacity building and policy innovation while prioritizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To qualify for a UNDP internship, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program or have completed one within the last year. They must show academic excellence, strong communication skills, and interest in sustainable development. Most internships provide a stipend ranging from $700 to $1,000 monthly, depending on the duty station and funding availability.
The UNDP internship application form is available exclusively on the official UNDP careers website. Applicants must create an online profile, upload academic credentials, and submit a tailored application for specific openings. All internships are posted year-round, and selection depends on eligibility and program needs. No external agencies provide official UNDP internship forms or guarantees.
Major Award won by United Nations
Nobel Peace Prize: The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world, and the United Nations and its affiliated agencies have been awarded the prize multiple times. In 2001, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded jointly to the United Nations and its then-Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, for their efforts to promote peace, human rights, and international cooperation.
Functions of UN Security Council
Peacekeeping Operations: The Security Council has the authority to establish peacekeeping missions in areas of conflict to facilitate ceasefires, protect civilians, and support peace agreements. These missions typically involve the deployment of UN forces, composed of troops contributed by member states, to monitor ceasefires, disarm combatants, and oversee the implementation of peace agreements.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation: The Security Council plays a key role in resolving conflicts and disputes between states through diplomacy, negotiation, and mediation. It can convene meetings, issue resolutions, and appoint special envoys or mediators to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between conflicting parties.
Imposition of Sanctions: When necessary, the Security Council can impose sanctions, including economic and diplomatic measures, against states or individuals deemed to be a threat to international peace and security. Sanctions may be targeted at specific individuals, entities, or sectors, with the aim of pressuring them to change their behavior or comply with international law.
Authorization of the Use of Force: In cases where peaceful means are inadequate to address threats to peace or acts of aggression, the Security Council has the authority to authorize the use of force, including military action, to restore or maintain international peace and security. Such authorization is typically granted through Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
Adoption of Resolutions: The Security Council adopts resolutions on a wide range of issues related to international peace and security, including conflicts, crises, and humanitarian emergencies. Resolutions are legally binding decisions that require the compliance of all UN member states, and they may include directives, recommendations, or mandates for action.
Preventive Diplomacy: The Security Council engages in preventive diplomacy to address emerging conflicts and tensions before they escalate into full-blown crises. This may involve diplomatic initiatives, fact-finding missions, and early warning mechanisms to identify and address potential threats to peace and security.
Post-Conflict Peacebuilding: In the aftermath of conflicts, the Security Council supports post-conflict peacebuilding efforts to promote reconciliation, reconstruction, and the rule of law in affected countries. This may include assistance with institution-building, governance reform, and the promotion of human rights and transitional justice.
UN agencies and their functions
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): UNICEF works to protect the rights and well-being of children worldwide, providing health care, nutrition, education, clean water, and sanitation. It also advocates for policies and programs that benefit children and promote their development.
World Health Organization (WHO): WHO is the UN agency responsible for international public health. It works to improve health outcomes globally by providing technical assistance, coordinating responses to health emergencies, and setting norms and standards for health care delivery.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): UNDP works to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote sustainable development around the world. It provides technical assistance, capacity-building support, and funding for development projects in areas such as governance, environment, and economic empowerment.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): UNHCR protects and assists refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless people around the world. It provides shelter, food, and other essential services to displaced populations, advocates for their rights, and supports efforts to find durable solutions to displacement.
World Food Programme (WFP): WFP is the UN agency responsible for addressing hunger and food insecurity worldwide. It provides food assistance to vulnerable populations in emergencies and supports long-term initiatives to improve food security, nutrition, and resilience in communities affected by poverty and conflict.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): UNESCO promotes education, science, culture, and communication as essential drivers of sustainable development and global peace. It supports efforts to strengthen education systems, preserve cultural heritage, promote scientific research, and foster intercultural dialogue.
International Labour Organization (ILO): ILO sets labor standards, promotes decent work, and protects the rights of workers around the world. It works with governments, employers, and workers’ organizations to address issues such as child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UNEP leads global efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. It provides guidance on environmental policy, supports initiatives to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources.
United Nations Women (UN Women): UN Women is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. It works to advance women’s rights, eliminate discrimination and violence against women, and promote women’s participation in decision-making and leadership roles.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): UNODC supports countries in their efforts to prevent and combat illicit drugs, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism. It provides technical assistance, capacity-building support, and promotes international cooperation to address transnational crime and related challenges.
Goals of United Nations
Maintaining International Peace and Security: The primary objective of the UN is to prevent conflicts and maintain peace and security among nations. This includes the prevention of armed conflicts, the resolution of existing conflicts through diplomacy and negotiation, and the deployment of peacekeeping missions to areas of conflict.
Promoting Sustainable Development: The UN is committed to fostering economic progress, social development, and environmental sustainability around the world. Through initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, the UN aims to eradicate poverty, hunger, inequality, and other forms of deprivation while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
Protecting Human Rights: Human rights are central to the mission of the UN, which seeks to uphold the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, serves as a cornerstone of international human rights law, affirming fundamental rights and freedoms for all people, regardless of race, nationality, religion, or gender.
Providing Humanitarian Assistance: The UN plays a vital role in providing life-saving aid and assistance to millions of people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies worldwide. Through its humanitarian agencies, such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN delivers food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services to those in need.
Promoting International Cooperation and Diplomacy: The UN serves as a global forum for dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation among nations, aiming to address common challenges and pursue shared objectives through diplomacy and multilateralism. By bringing together countries with diverse interests and perspectives, the UN seeks to foster understanding, trust, and collaboration on a wide range of issues, from climate change to disarmament to public health.
Advancing Justice and Rule of Law: The UN promotes the rule of law and seeks to ensure that all nations abide by international legal norms and principles. Through its judicial arm, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and other legal mechanisms, the UN works to settle disputes between states, uphold international treaties and conventions, and hold perpetrators of crimes accountable for their actions.
Facilitating Decolonization and Self-Determination: The UN has played a crucial role in facilitating the decolonization process and supporting the rights of peoples to self-determination. By overseeing the transition of former colonies to self-government or independence, the UN has helped promote sovereignty, democracy, and human rights in regions formerly under colonial rule.
Major achievements of the United Nations
Preventing World War III: Despite the Cold War tensions and numerous regional conflicts, the UN has succeeded in preventing another world war on the scale of the first two devastating conflicts of the 20th century. The UN’s role as a forum for dialogue, negotiation, and conflict resolution has helped to mitigate tensions and prevent the escalation of conflicts into global conflagrations.
Decolonization and Self-Determination: The UN played a pivotal role in facilitating the decolonization process in the aftermath of World War II, overseeing the transition of numerous colonies to self-government or independence. Through its trusteeship system and support for self-determination, the UN helped to advance sovereignty, democracy, and human rights in regions formerly under colonial rule.
Peacekeeping Operations: The UN’s peacekeeping missions have helped stabilize conflict-ridden regions, facilitate post-conflict reconstruction, and protect civilians from violence and atrocities. From Cyprus to Kosovo to Sierra Leone, UN peacekeepers have made significant contributions to peace and stability worldwide, often in challenging and dangerous environments.
Humanitarian Assistance: The UN’s humanitarian agencies have provided life-saving aid to millions of people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies worldwide. Agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) deliver food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services to those in need, often in challenging and dangerous environments.
Promotion of Human Rights: Through its various human rights mechanisms, the UN has contributed to the advancement of human rights worldwide. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, serves as a cornerstone of international human rights law, affirming fundamental rights and freedoms for all people, regardless of race, nationality, religion, or gender.
Global Development Agenda: The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 marked a significant milestone in the UN’s efforts to promote sustainable development. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for eradicating poverty, combating inequality, and addressing climate change by 2030, guiding the efforts of governments, civil society, and the private sector towards a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: The UN serves as a vital forum for diplomacy, dialogue, and conflict resolution, bringing together countries with divergent interests to negotiate peaceful resolutions to complex issues and crises. Through its diplomatic efforts, peacekeeping operations, and mediation initiatives, the UN has helped to resolve conflicts and prevent the outbreak of new ones in various regions of the world.
Academic References on United Nations
- Weiss, T. G., & Daws, S. (2009). The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations. Oxford University Press.
- Kennedy, P. (2006). The Parliament of Man: The Past, Present, and Future of the United Nations. Random House.
- Chesterman, S. (2017). The Oxford Handbook of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. Oxford University Press.
- Thakur, R., & Weiss, T. G. (Eds.). (2006). The United Nations and Global Governance: An Idea and Its Prospects. Indiana University Press.
- Luck, E. C. (2018). The United Nations Security Council: Practice and Promise. Routledge.
- Forsythe, D. P. (2018). The United Nations and Changing World Politics. Routledge.
- Weiss, T. G. (2018). What’s Wrong with the United Nations and How to Fix It. Polity Press.
- Roberts, A., & Kingsbury, B. (Eds.). (1994). United Nations, Divided World: The UN’s Roles in International Relations. Oxford University Press.
- Weiss, T. G. (2014). Humanitarian Intervention: Ideas in Action. Polity Press.
- Barnett, M., & Finnemore, M. (2004). Rules for the World: International Organizations in Global Politics. Cornell University Press.
- Carsten, J., & Lawrence, A. (Eds.). (2019). The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: From Theory to Practice. Routledge.
- Ruggie, J. G. (1998). Constructing the world polity: Essays on international institutionalization. Routledge.