About the United Nations
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization with 193 member states. It doesn’t represent a single nation or government – the UN represents the whole world.
Founded in 1945 after the Second World War, the UN is committed to maintaining peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and creating a better future for people and the planet.
The UN can take action on a wide range of issues due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter. The UN provides a forum for its 193 Member States to express their views through – among others – the six main organs below.
Click on the names to read more.
The UN system consists of over 30 specialized agencies and associated organisations with different mandates, working within a broad range of fundamental issues; from sustainable development, environmental issues, and international health to refugees protection, disaster relief, counter-terrorism and promoting democracy, human rights, and gender equality, and many more.
Today, the work of the UN is divided into five areas:
- Maintaining international peace and security
- Protecting human rights
- Delivering humanitarian aid
- Promoting sustainable development
- Upholding international law