1. The United Nations

2. Origin of The United Nations  Emerged during World War II as Allies were fighting against Germany and Japan  August 1941 - Roosevelt and Churchill sign Atlantic Charter, declaring that they were fighting the war in order to secure political and economic freeedom for the countries of the world

3. Emergence of the United Nations The Allies recognized need for a new international organization to preserve peace once war was over. This organization would act to ensure: ƒ Political freedom (democracy) for all nations ƒ Economic freedom for all nations ƒ Self-determination for all peoples of the world

4. Creation of the United Nations In June 1945, representatives of 50 nations, including Canada, met in San Francisco to approve and sign the Charter of the United Nations. On January 1, 1942, the 26 nations at war with Germany and Japan signed a Declaration of United Nations, recognizing the aims contained in the Atlantic Charter.

5. Structure of the United Nations The United Nations consists of three main parts: Security Council General Assembly Secretariat

6. General Assembly  Largest part of legislative branch  One representative for every member state, each with one vote  Majority vote required to pass resolutions, which are recommendations only.  No power to enforce its resolutions.  Meets at a regularly scheduled time each year, but can also be called into an emergency session.

7. Security Council  Second part of legislative branch  Consists of 15 members, 5 of whom hold permanent seats  US, Britain, France, Russia & China are permanent members  Remaining 10 countries elected to Security Council by General Assembly for a 2-year term

8. Security Council (continued)  Decisions require 9 votes  Each permanent member state has power of absolute veto over any resolution  Sits in continuous session  Responsible for preservation of world peace

9. Secretariat  Executive branch of United Nations, responsible for carrying out UN's programs and policies  Headed by the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council  Position always held by a person from a "non-aligned" nation.

10. Key United Nations Figures Ban Ki-Moon UN Secretary-General Guillermo Rishchynski, Canadian Ambassador to the UN Canadian Stephen Lewis, Former UN Special Envoy to Africa (AIDS)