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United Nations Day 2023: Understanding The U.N.

As the General Assembly convenes, here is the United Nations 101

Caroline Simpson

Oct 24, 2023

Virginia Commonwealth University

15830

SayHelp

For an organization that literally unites the nations, it amazes me how little is taught about the United Nations in schools, or at least where I went to school. It wasn't until I went to college and got a higher education that I learned the basics of the United Nations. I believe that every American should know at least the basics of what the United Nations does, especially since our country is one of the 5 permanent members, and what better day to do that than United Nations Day (today!). So here are the main "organs" of the United Nations:

United Nations organizational overview

The visual above is a much more complex look at the organs of the United Nations, and what we can expect from United Nations Day 2023 can be found below.

Hope For A Better Future

blue and white happy birthday print stonePhoto by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

This is the theme for the 2023 United Nations Day and it stands for and symbolizes the collective efforts of nations to create a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future.

In a world faced with numerous challenges, the UN remains a source of inspiration, offering solutions and unity in times of crisis.

The United Nations serves as a critical forum for fostering collaboration and addressing these pressing challenges.

What is the United Nations General Assembly?

Each of the states (countries) in the United Nations is a member of the General Assembly. They make important decisions about peace and security. For something to get passed or at least given a second look it must get 2/3 votes.

What is the Key Statics of the United Nations

Map of the world with different curreny notes and pins placed ontop of it

U.S. dollar banknote with mapPhoto by Christine Roy on Unsplash

United Nations Founded: 24 October 1945, San Francisco, California, United States;

United Nations Headquarters: New York, New York, United States;

United Nations Founders: United States, Brazil, United Kingdom, India, France, Iran;

United Nations Secretary general: António Guterres.

What is the United Nations Security Council?

The Security Council is much more powerful than the General Assembly. It is made up of 5 permeant members: China, Soviet Union (now Russia), France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and 10 non-permeant members that are elected every two years from the General Assembly. Each of these 15 states has one vote and the permanent member states can veto any substantive issue.

What is the United Nations Economic and Social Council?

United Nations - Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2023

ECOSOC

There are 54 members who are voted in and out by the General Assembly. They vote on all things that involve the world economy and social issues.

Who is the UN Security General?

They have a five-year term, are nominated by the Security Council, and elected by the General Assembly. The Secretary General is elected from states that aren't as powerful so there is proper global representation. António Guterres is the current Secretary General.

What is the International Court of Justice?

Large long table with chairs next to eachother with microphones

Peace Palace, International Court of Justice of the United Nations 2023

Peace Palace

The ICJ is the world court in the UN. There are 15 justices, who each have 9 year terms. They don't have much power, they mostly just advise countries.

The United Nations is a lot more complex than what I've described here, but after reading this you'll know more than the average American about the UN.

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United Nations Day 2023: Understanding The U.N.

As the General Assembly convenes, here is the United Nations 101

​Hope For A Better Future

What is the United Nations General Assembly?

What is the Key Statics of the United Nations

What is the United Nations Security Council?

What is the United Nations Economic and Social Council?

Who is the UN Security General?

What is the International Court of Justice?

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

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2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

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8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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