Institutions of United Nations

The United Nations (UN) consists of several key institutions and specialised agencies that work together to fulfil the organisation's goals and mandate. Their collective efforts aim to create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

General Assembly (GA): The General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the UN. It is composed of all 193 member states, with each country having one vote. The General Assembly discusses and makes recommendations on various global issues, including peace and security, development, human rights, and international law. It elects non-permanent members of the Security Council and approves the UN budget.

Security Council (SC): The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members, including five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The Security Council has the authority to impose sanctions, authorise peacekeeping missions, and make binding decisions on member states.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): ECOSOC is responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation. It consists of 54 member states elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms. ECOSOC coordinates the work of various specialised agencies, funds, and programs of the UN, and it addresses a wide range of economic, social, and environmental issues. It also conducts forums and reviews global development policies.

International Court of Justice (ICJ): The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It is located in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICJ settles legal disputes between member states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN organs and specialised agencies. The court's judgments are binding and provide guidance on international law.

Secretariat: The Secretariat is the administrative arm of the United Nations, headed by the Secretary-General. It supports the work of the other UN organs, implements their decisions, and manages day-to-day operations. The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer of the UN and serves as a global diplomat and advocate for peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

United Nations Development Group (UNDG): The UNDG is a coordination mechanism that brings together UN agencies, funds, and programs working on development issues. Its purpose is to enhance policy coherence, coordination, and collaboration among UN entities to support countries in achieving sustainable development goals.

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): The UNHRC is a principal body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It consists of 47 member states elected by the General Assembly and conducts regular sessions to discuss human rights issues, undertake country reviews, and adopt resolutions and decisions on human rights matters.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO): UNESCO promotes international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication. Its work includes advancing quality education, preserving cultural heritage, promoting freedom of expression, and fostering scientific collaboration.

World Health Organisation (WHO): The WHO is the specialised agency for health within the UN system. It is responsible for global public health issues, including monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks, setting health standards, providing technical assistance, and promoting research and innovation to improve health outcomes worldwide.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): The UNHCR is mandated to protect and support refugees and assist in finding durable solutions to their displacement. It works to ensure that refugees have access to asylum, basic services, and legal protection, and it advocates for their rights and well-being.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): UNICEF focuses on promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. It works to provide education, healthcare, nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and protection to children in need. UNICEF also advocates for child rights and monitors progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to children.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UNEP coordinates environmental activities within the UN system. It addresses global environmental challenges, promotes sustainable development, and supports countries in implementing environmental policies and programs. UNEP also plays a crucial role in raising awareness about climate change, biodiversity loss, and other pressing environmental issues.

These institutions and bodies, along with other specialised agencies and programs of the UN, work together to address a wide range of global issues, including development, human rights, health, education, environment, and humanitarian assistance.