What is the UN: history and functions of the organization

Before answering the question of what the UN is, it would be useful to look into the history and trace the prerequisites for the creation of this structure. Already at the dawn of modern times, European states attempted to build a parity system of international relations that would take into account the interests of large and small continental states. Such attempts were directed, first of all, to The reduction of tensions in international politics and the prevention of military clashes, so that conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. Time has shown that their own state interests are often higher than peaceful aspirations. Thus, the desire for colonial redistribution led to the First World War.

After 1918 it became evident that the world needs a permanent all-planetary arbitration. The first attempt to create such an international organization was the League of Nations, formed in 1919 as a result of the Versailles-Washington accords after the First World War. The main task of the League of Nations was proclaimed the prevention of military clashes in the whole planet, the reported disarmament of the leading world powers, the settlement of conflicts through peaceful diplomatic negotiations. However, the next two and a half decades have demonstrated that this organization clearly can not cope with its tasks. Extremely large-scale World War II and the events that preceded it showed that the League of Nations has no real levers of power other than appeals, and is not capable of appeasing aggressors. As a result of negotiations, it was dissolved on April 20, 1946.

So what is the UN: the functions of the organization

The United Nations has become a kind of successor to the League of Nations. It was created as a result of the postwar negotiations on October 24, 1945 in San Francisco. The founders of the UN were 50 states. Later, signing the protocol, membership in the UN received and the Polish Republic.

When speaking about what the UN is, one should definitely define its main functions. In comparison with its predecessor, the UN expanded its own interests. In addition to maintaining and strengthening peace on the planet, maintaining friendly relations among nations, the UN task is to promote comprehensive economic, cultural and social development in the world. Particular attention is paid to supporting lagging regions, for example in Africa and Asia, in economic, educational, healthcare and other areas.

What is the UN: the structure of the organization

The UN has several branches of government to coordinate its activities . Thus, its main organs are: the General Assembly, which has parliamentary functions, the Security Council, the executive, the International Court of Justice and the Economic and Social Council, which regulate issues in their respective spheres. And finally, the UN Secretariat, which is entrusted with administrative functions. In addition, there are a number of unique subsidiaries, such as the World Health Organization, UNESCO (contributing to the development of education in the world and the preservation of cultural world heritage), the International Labor Organization and others.

Today the organization has its own information centers and representative offices in most countries of the world. Also, there is the UN information center in Moscow.