The United Nations Class 5 Notes SST

Introduction

• Imagine if every country in the world became friends and decided to help each other solve problems - like stopping fights, sharing food, and saving the planet.
• That’s exactly what the United Nations (UN) does!
• It’s like a big group of countries working together to make sure everyone can live safely and happily.
• Ever wondered how the UN helps the world stay peaceful and connected?
• Let’s explore the exciting ways they make a difference!

United Nations (UN)

• The United Nations is an organization dedicated to maintaining peace globally. 
• The name 'United Nations' was initially coined by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was the President of the United States of America at that time.

Symbol of United Nations

Formation of the UN

After the extensive devastation caused by World War II, countries worldwide yearned and prayed for peace. Representatives from 51 countries convened in San Francisco, USA on 24 October 1945 where they collectively signed a charter, giving rise to a new international body known as the United Nations Organization (UNO).

(a) India was among the nations present during this historic meeting.
(b) Annually on 24 October, the United Nations Day is commemorated.
(c) At present, the UN boasts 193 member states.
(d) The headquarters of the UN are situated in New York.
(e) The Secretary-General serves as the principal administrative figure within the UN.

Objectives of the United Nations

• To promote peace globally.
• To foster cooperation among nations.
• To enhance social and economic conditions for people.
• To safeguard human rights.
  

Role of the United Nations

• The UN does not make laws or collect taxes.
• This platform is used for talking about problems and finding ways to solve them.
• Any country that wants peace and supports the goals of the UN Charter can become a member of this organization.
• The main goal is to make the world safer for people today and for future generations.

Organs of the United Nations 

The UN has six main organs: 

1. General Assembly

• The General Assembly acts as the main part of the United Nations, similar to how a country's parliament functions.
• In the General Assembly, every member state has one vote.
• The General Assembly meets once a year, every September, to discuss important issues related to peace and security.

2. Security Council 

• The Security Council is tasked with upholding global peace and security.
• It is comprised of 15 members, including five permanent seats held by China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the USA.
• The Council also includes non-permanent members who are elected for two-year terms.

3. Economic and Social Council 

• This Council manages a group of UN agencies that focus on helping marginalized populations.
• It works on important issues like human rights, gender equality, and trade regulations.
• The Council's role is to coordinate the efforts of these agencies.

4. Trusteeship Council 

• The Trusteeship Council was originally in charge of overseeing territories that were not fully independent.
• This council, which is now no longer active, managed the process of these territories becoming independent.
• Its main role was to ensure a smooth transition to self-governance for the territories it supervised.

5. Secretariat

• The Secretariat manages the everyday activities of the United Nations, ensuring that the plans and rules set by other UN groups are carried out.
• The Secretary-General is the leader of the Secretariat.

6. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

• As the main judicial body of the UN, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) settles conflicts between countries.
• The ICJ also gives legal advice to member nations on matters related to international law.
•  The Court is made up of 15 judges, each serving a term of nine years. 
•  Its headquarters is located in The Hague, which is in the Netherlands. 

Agencies of the UN

The UN’s agencies help solve common world problems, mostly through the Economic and Social Council. Let's learn about these agencies.

• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): Focuses on enhancing global education and safeguarding historical and cultural sites worldwide.
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): Dedicated to advocating for children's rights, supporting their development, and ensuring their protection and survival.
• World Health Organization (WHO): Aims to advance the overall health of people around the world.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Works towards eradicating global hunger, with its Latin motto 'FIAT PANIS' translating to 'let there be bread.'
• International Labour Organization (ILO): Focuses on creating job opportunities for individuals and upholding the rights of workers.
  

Achievements of the United Nations

• The UN has been very successful in keeping peace around the world.
• It has effectively solved many international conflicts.
• The UN has stopped fights from growing into big wars.
• It is actively involved in peacekeeping missions across the globe.
• The UN promotes disarmament to help prevent the harmful use of dangerous weapons.
• Today, the world greatly benefits from the UN, which helps create a more peaceful environment.

India and the United Nations

• India is very active in many initiatives and operations of the United Nations.
• India has always supported UN peacekeeping missions.
• Indian peacekeeping forces are sent to various parts of the world to help establish and maintain peace.
• India regularly takes part in relief efforts organized by UN agencies.