Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish The United Nations Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish 192 Member States Established: October 24, 1945 Current number of peacekeeping operations: 16 Dayna Lacoursiere

The Beginning of the UN The United Nations was created to maintain international peace. It was hoped to promote cooperation in the world in solving international economic, social, and humanitarian problems. The term ‘United Nations’ was first used officially on January 1, 1942. The name was first suggested by US President Franklin Roosevelt to refer to the Allies of WWII. The idea for the UN first emerged in 1943 at the Moscow Conference and the Tehran Conference. In 1944 representatives from France, China, the UK, the US, and the USSR met to outline plans in Washington, D.C. The United Nations Conference on International Organization was held on April 25, 1945 in San Francisco. There, the governments, as well as some non-government organizations drafted a charter. Two months later on June 26, the 50 nations representatives signed the Charter of the United Nations. Later, Poland added its name bringing the total number of “original” signatories to 51. On October 24, 1945, the UN came into existence.

Functions and Powers of the Security Council: Peace and Security The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is organized to function continuously, and a representative of each of its members must be at UN Headquarters at all times. When a threat to peace is brought before the Council, its first action is to recommend the parties try and reach a peaceful agreement. In some cases it may set forth principles for a more peaceful settlement. When a dispute becomes fighting, the Council tries to bring about an end as quickly as possible. The Council has had to issue cease-fire directives on many occasions. The UN peace-keeping forces are often sent to reduce tensions, keep opposing forces apart, and create calm conditions where peaceful settlements can be sought. The council can decide on enforcement measures, economic sanctions, or collective military action. Functions and Powers of the Security Council: ~to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the UN ~to investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction ~to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement ~to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments ~to determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken ~to call on Members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression ~to take military action against an aggressor ~to recommend the admission of new Members ~to exercise the trusteeship functions of the UN in “strategic areas” ~to recommend to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-General and, together with the Assembly, to elect the Judges of the International Court of Justice http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/unsc_functions.html

Development and International Law The vast majority of the United Nations resources are devoted to advancing the pledge to “promote higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development”. The United Nations development efforts have affected millions of people around the world. International debate has reflected the similar interests between all countries in the world. Refugee populations, organized crime, drug trafficking, and AIDS are global issues that require coordinated action. With the world as interconnected as it is now, financial instability in one country is immediately felt in the markets of the others. The International Court of Justice may entertain two types of cases: contentious cases, and advisory proceedings. In contentious cases, the Courts judgment is binding, whereas in advisory proceedings, it is not.

Current Activities South Africa launches massive UN-backed HIV prevention drive Cyber-age protection of intellectual property focus of UN agency UN food agency steps up response amid growing food crisis in Niger Greater efforts needed to protect health of Afghans, says senior UN official

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that as Secretary-General, he resolves to: Lead by example Seek excellence with humility Set the highest ethical standard Pursue dialogue and engagement Play the role of harmonizer and bridge-builder Make transparency and accountability the cornerstone of my tenure Be animated by both passion and compassion in achieving our goals Be sensitive to the concerns of all Member States, big and small. “The challenges we face today are many, and my resolve is strong. I am determined to make progress on the pressing issues of our time, step by step, by building on achievements along the way, working with Member States and civil society.”

My Opinion I believe that the idea of an organization that unites the world is very important to the progress of internationalism. Organizing the nations of the world under one government and one law could potentially prevent a WWIII. I support the idea of the UN fully. I think that although the UN is not perfect, it is quite proficient. The United Nations has prevented a WWIII. Though it has been criticised for being too slow to come to action, I think that it is working much better than many people believed. If the UN continues the way it has been, while continuously improving on its mistakes, WWIII will be put off indefinitely.

Bibliography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_Nations http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations http://www.un.org/aboutun http://www.un.org/News/