About the United Nations

New York, USA

The United Nations System:

The United Nations is made up of six main bodies. It is a place where nations meet to discuss mutual concerns and to cooperate in solving common problems.

General Assembly - the main deliberative or legislative body of the United Nations with each member state (192) having one vote.

Security Council - the body made up of 15 nation members charged with maintaining international peace and security. The five permanent members have veto power over any resolution - U.S., China, France, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) - the body made up of 54 nation representatives coordinating the economic and social work of the United Nations. Most of the specialized agencies and relatied institutions report to the Economic and Social Council.

Secretariat - the administrative section of the United Nations headed by the Secretary-General, currently Ban Ki-moon from South Korea.

International Court of Justice (ICJ or World Court) - court used to try disputes between nations.

Trusteeship Council - no longer meeting. All trustee countries are now independent nations and full members of the United Nations.

International Criminal Court (ICC)- an independent court used to try individuals accused of crimes against humanity. This court was created through the general assembly process but is not a part of the UN system.

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The United Nations Agencies:

These are some of the United Nations agencies that work on issues all across the globe. You can find more agencies and information when you visit www.un.org/issues/

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) supplies technical and financial assistance to developing countries for programs to benefit children and mothers, targeting nutrition, water and sanitation, education, maternal and child health.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) promotes poverty reduction, crisis prevention and democratic governance

World Health Organization (WHO) promotes and coordinates research and programs that advance the cause of disease prevention and primary healthcare. WHO provides techinal assistance to improve national health, education, nutrition, water and sanitation, and maternal and child health; conducts immunization campaiges; coordinates the response to outbreaks of communicable diseases; and coordinates the global battle to control HIV/AIDS.

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides protection and material assistance to refugees and negotiates with governments to resettle or repatriate them.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) offers technical advice to states, coordinates scientific research, disseminates environmental information and facilitates the implementation of environmental treaties.

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) works for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights and ensuring that they are implemented.

World Food Programme (WFP) supplies emergency food relief and nutritional assistance for the most vulnerable -- such as children, pregnant women and the elderly.

United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) supports projects benefiting women in developing countries and conflict zones.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) helps nations to gather demographic data and to plan and implement programs related to population and reproduction health.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) helps governments to improve the production, processing, marketing and distribution of food and argricultural products; to promote rural development; and to eliminate hunger.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) promotes collaboration among nations in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. UNESCO trains teachers and education planners, assists developing countries with their communications and media, and organizes scientific explorations.

International Labor Organization (ILO) seeks to improve working conditions and set international labor standards while also assissting member states in such areas as vocational training, occupational health and safety, and social security.

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The United Nations Headquaters

Bangkok, Thailand

Geneva, Switzerland

Nairobi, Kenya

Vienna, Austria

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