What is United Nations?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The UN Charter outlines the purposes and principles of the UN, including maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress.
- 2.
The UN has six main organs: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.
- 3.
The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the UN, where all member states have a seat and can discuss any issue within the scope of the UN Charter.
- 4.
The Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members, including 5 permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) who have veto power.
- 5.
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) coordinates the economic, social, and environmental work of the UN system. It has 54 members elected by the General Assembly.
- 6.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the UN. It settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions.
- 7.
The UN Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, who is the chief administrative officer of the UN. The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
- 8.
UN peacekeeping operations are deployed to conflict zones to maintain peace and security. These operations are authorized by the Security Council.
- 9.
The UN works to promote human rights through various mechanisms, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Human Rights Council.
- 10.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted in 2015 to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.
- 11.
The UN faces challenges related to funding, reform of the Security Council, and the effectiveness of its peacekeeping operations.
- 12.
Specialized agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are affiliated with the UN and work on specific issues.
Visual Insights
Structure and Functions of the UN
Key bodies and functions of the United Nations.
United Nations
- ●General Assembly
- ●Security Council
- ●Secretariat
- ●Specialized Agencies
Recent Developments
7 developmentsIn 2023, the UN Secretary-General called for urgent action to address climate change and its impacts.
The UN is actively involved in efforts to resolve conflicts in various regions, including Ukraine, Yemen, and Sudan.
Discussions are ongoing regarding reforms to the Security Council to make it more representative and effective.
The UN is working to address the global food crisis exacerbated by conflicts and climate change.
The UN is promoting digital cooperation and addressing the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence.
The UN is focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, but progress is lagging in many areas.
The UN is playing a key role in coordinating the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
This Concept in News
2 topicsRealism and Power: Examining the Interplay in International Relations
28 Feb 2026The news article's emphasis on realism and power dynamics in international relations directly challenges the ideal of the UN as a neutral and equitable platform. (1) The article highlights how powerful nations can manipulate narratives and institutions to their advantage, which directly contradicts the UN's stated goal of promoting equality and cooperation among all nations. (2) The UN's structure, particularly the Security Council's veto power, allows powerful states to exert disproportionate influence, potentially undermining the organization's ability to act impartially. (3) The news reveals the ongoing tension between the UN's idealistic goals and the realities of power politics, suggesting that the organization's effectiveness is often limited by the self-interests of its most powerful members. (4) This implies that the UN needs significant reforms to address power imbalances and ensure that all voices are heard and respected. (5) Understanding the UN's structure, its limitations, and the influence of power dynamics is crucial for analyzing international relations and evaluating the UN's role in addressing global challenges. Without this understanding, one might overestimate the UN's capacity to act independently and effectively.
India condemns Israel's West Bank plan in UN statement
20 Feb 2026This news highlights the UN's function as a forum for diplomatic engagement and collective action. The fact that over 100 states joined the statement underscores the UN's ability to mobilize international opinion on critical issues. India's initial reluctance and later participation demonstrate the challenges of balancing foreign policy objectives with adherence to international norms. This event applies the concept of multilateralism, where nations work together through the UN to address shared concerns. The news reveals that even powerful nations like India must consider the UN's influence and the potential consequences of deviating from its principles. Understanding the UN's role in conflict resolution and the dynamics of international diplomacy is crucial for analyzing this news and similar events. It also shows how national interests and international pressure interact within the UN framework. The news emphasizes the importance of the UN as a platform for expressing concerns and seeking peaceful resolutions to international disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is the United Nations, and what are its primary goals?
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II. Its main goal is to maintain international peace and security. The UN also works to promote cooperation among countries on economic development, social progress, human rights, and humanitarian affairs.
Exam Tip
Remember the founding year (1945) and the primary goal (international peace and security) for prelims.
2. What are the key provisions outlined in the UN Charter?
The UN Charter outlines the purposes and principles of the UN, including maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress. It also establishes the main organs of the UN, such as the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Exam Tip
Focus on understanding the main purposes and principles for Mains answer writing.
3. How does the UN Security Council function, and what is the significance of the veto power?
The Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members, including 5 permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) who have veto power. A veto from any of these permanent members can block a resolution.
Exam Tip
Remember the 5 permanent members of the Security Council for prelims.
4. What is the role of the General Assembly in the United Nations?
The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the UN, where all member states have a seat and can discuss any issue within the scope of the UN Charter. It serves as a forum for countries to voice their opinions and work towards solutions on global issues.
Exam Tip
Understand that the General Assembly is a forum for discussion and deliberation for all member states.
5. How does the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) contribute to the UN's mission?
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) coordinates the economic, social, and environmental work of the UN system. It has 54 members elected by the General Assembly and works to promote sustainable development and improve living standards worldwide.
Exam Tip
Remember that ECOSOC focuses on economic, social, and environmental issues.
6. What are the limitations of the United Nations in addressing global conflicts?
The UN's effectiveness can be limited by the veto power of the permanent members of the Security Council, as well as by the lack of enforcement mechanisms for its resolutions. Member states' sovereignty and differing national interests can also hinder the UN's ability to intervene in conflicts.
Exam Tip
Consider the challenges posed by the veto power and national sovereignty when evaluating the UN's effectiveness.
7. What is the difference between the United Nations and the League of Nations?
The United Nations replaced the League of Nations, which had failed to prevent World War II. The UN has a broader scope and more robust mechanisms for maintaining international peace and security compared to the League of Nations.
Exam Tip
Understand that the UN was created to address the shortcomings of the League of Nations.
8. What are the challenges in implementing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Challenges include a lack of funding, political instability in some regions, and the need for greater cooperation among countries. Achieving the SDGs requires significant commitment and resources from all member states.
Exam Tip
Be aware of the financial and political obstacles to achieving the SDGs.
9. What reforms have been suggested for the UN Security Council to make it more effective?
Discussions are ongoing regarding reforms to the Security Council to make it more representative and effective. Suggestions include expanding the number of permanent and non-permanent members and limiting the use of the veto power.
Exam Tip
Understand the arguments for and against Security Council reform.
10. How does India's role in the United Nations compare with other countries?
India is a founding member of the UN and has actively participated in peacekeeping operations and other UN initiatives. India is also a strong advocate for Security Council reform and greater representation for developing countries.
Exam Tip
Highlight India's contributions to UN peacekeeping and its advocacy for reform.
11. What is the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the UN's legal framework?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted under the auspices of the UN, is a foundational document that sets out the basic rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. It serves as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.
Exam Tip
Remember that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a key document for human rights.
12. What are some recent developments involving the United Nations?
Recent developments include the UN Secretary-General calling for urgent action to address climate change, the UN's involvement in efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, and Sudan, and ongoing discussions regarding reforms to the Security Council.
Exam Tip
Stay updated on current events related to the UN, particularly its role in addressing global challenges.
Source Topic
Realism and Power: Examining the Interplay in International Relations
International RelationsUPSC Relevance
The United Nations is a very important topic for the UPSC exam, especially for GS-2 (International Relations). Questions are frequently asked about the UN's structure, functions, and role in global affairs. In Prelims, questions may focus on the UN's organs, specialized agencies, and key resolutions.
In Mains, questions often require analyzing the UN's effectiveness in addressing global challenges, its relationship with India, and the need for reforms. Recent years have seen questions on the SDGs, peacekeeping operations, and the role of the UN in a changing world order. When answering questions, focus on providing a balanced perspective, highlighting both the UN's achievements and its limitations.
Understanding the UN Charter and its key principles is crucial.