Every year, the United Nations (UN) celebrates its anniversary on October 24th. Known as UN Day, it signifies the initial enforcement of the UN Charter and establishment of the Organization in 1945. The term “United Nations” can be traced back to the United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt who coined it.
The brains and machinery behind the UN comprise of main organs like the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. All these components work in unison to maintain international peace and promote cooperation on global issues.
Historical Background: From League of Nations to United Nations
The idea of an international organization fostering peace and security did not start with the United Nations. It was initially conceptualized during the First World War and the League of Nations was established under the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. The League’s mission was “to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security.” Although the League of Nations was the blueprint for the United Nations, it struggled in its objective largely because of the political climate during the Inter-War period.
Understanding the Main Organs of the UN
The United Nations operates through six primary branches, each playing a critical role in the functioning of the organization.
The General Assembly
This is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN where all 193 Member States have equal representation. Each year in September, world leaders gather in New York City to address global challenges at the General Debate.
The Security Council
The Security Council has the responsibility of maintaining peace and security among countries. It consists of 15 Members, and each Member has one vote.
The Economic and Social Council
As the name suggests, the Economic and Social Council is responsible for coordinating the economic, social and related work of member countries and specialized agencies.
The Trusteeship Council
Established to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories, the Trusteeship Council suspended its operation in 1994, after Palau, the last remaining Trust Territory became an independent country.
The International Court of Justice
Located at The Hague in the Netherlands, The International Court of Justice is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations.
The UN Secretariat
The Secretariat carries out the day-to-day work of the Organization. It services the other principal organs and administers programs and policies laid down by them.
| UN Organ | Function |
|---|---|
| General Assembly | Main deliberative and policymaking organ |
| Security Council | Maintains peace and security among countries |
| Economic and Social Council | Coordinates economic, social, and related work |
| Trusteeship Council | Provided international supervision for Trust Territories (currently inactive) |
| International Court of Justice | Primary judicial organ |
| UN Secretariat | Carries out daily work and services other principal organs |
A Momentous Milestone: 75 Years of the UN
In celebrating its 75th anniversary on October 24, 2020, the United Nations continues to uphold the commitments it made at its inception. It has not only survived but progressed remarkably against many odds during a period marked by several dramatic changes globally. The existence and achievements of the United Nations over these years underscore its essential role in managing international issues and maintaining world order.
