Notes on the UN Lecture

Introduction

• Explanation of the UN as the largest political organization.
• Purpose: maintain international peace and security, promote cooperation between nations, protect human rights.

Overview of UN Membership

• Composed of 193 member states, including Italy (joined in 1955).
• Two Permanent Observer states: Vatican and Palestine (do not vote or propose resolutions).
• Based in New York.

Main Functions of the UN

1. Maintain International Peace and Security
2. Develop Friendly Relations Between Nations
3. Cooperate in Solving International Problems
4. Promote Respect for Human Rights

History of the UN

• Founded on October 24, 1945.
• Preceded by the League of Nations (failed after WWI).
• Name "United Nations" first suggested by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, used officially by Winston Churchill.
• Charter of the United Nations signed on June 26, 1945, by 50 out of 51 members.

Structure of the UN

Main Bodies

1. General Assembly

   • Parliament of nations; every member state has one vote.
   • Discusses important global issues.

2. Security Council

   • Maintains international peace and security; can be convened in case of threats to peace.
   • Composed of 15 members: 5 permanent (China, France, Russian Federation, UK, USA) and 10 elected for 2-year terms.

3. Economic and Social Council

   • Coordinates economic and social activities of the UN.

4. International Court of Justice

   • Main judicial organ that resolves disputes between states.

5. Secretariat

   • Administrative apparatus led by the Secretary General.

Important UN Agencies

• UNICEF: Humanitarian assistance for children and mothers.
• UNESCO: Promotes peace through education, science, and culture.
• FAO: Aims for food security and sufficient access to quality food.

Official Languages

• UN recognizes six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
• Excludes languages of WWII defeated countries.

UN Peacekeeping Operations

• No stable army; uses soldiers (blue helmets) from member states.
• Types of operations:
  • Peacekeeping Operations (control ceasefires, create buffer zones).
  • Peace-building Operations (humanitarian aid post-civil war).
• Current Statistics:
  • 12 missions ongoing.
  • About 90,000 personnel (military and civilian).
  • Cost exceeding $6 billion.

Interesting Fact

• Notable cost incurred by the UN: parking fees for diplomats.
  • 180 countries have unpaid parking tickets; Egypt has $1.9 million in violations and over 17,000 citations.