Principal Organs of the United Nations

The United Nations is comprised of several principal organs, each with distinct functions and responsibilities. These organs are established by the UN Charter and play essential roles in the organisation's decision-making and operations.

General Assembly: The General Assembly is the primary deliberative body of the United Nations. Each member state is represented in the General Assembly, and decisions on significant issues, such as the budget, admission of new members, and certain global policies, are made through majority votes. It serves as a forum for member states to discuss and coordinate on international matters.

Security Council: The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members, with five permanent members (the P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The P5 have veto power, meaning they can block any substantive resolution. The other ten members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The Security Council can authorise sanctions, peacekeeping missions, and even military action in response to threats to international peace.

International Court of Justice (ICJ): The ICJ, also known as the World Court, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the General Assembly, Security Council, or other UN organs. Its judgments are binding on the parties involved.

Secretariat: The Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the UN and carries out the work mandated by the General Assembly, Security Council, and other UN bodies. The Secretary-General, appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council, leads the Secretariat. The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer of the UN.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): ECOSOC promotes international economic and social cooperation and development. It collaborates with specialised agencies, NGOs, and other international organisations to address global economic, social, and environmental challenges. ECOSOC also oversees numerous subsidiary bodies focused on specific issues.

Trusteeship Council: The Trusteeship Council was established to oversee the administration of trust territories and ensure that they advanced to self-government or independence. Its work has largely been completed, with all trust territories achieving independence or self-governance. As a result, the Trusteeship Council currently meets infrequently and mainly focuses on procedural matters.

Secretariat: The Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the UN and carries out the work mandated by the General Assembly, Security Council, and other UN bodies. The Secretary-General, appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council, leads the Secretariat. The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer of the UN.

These principal organs work in concert to address a wide range of global issues, from peace and security to development, human rights, and international law. The UN system also includes specialised agencies, programs, and funds that collaborate with these organs to carry out specific functions and objectives.