Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Featured

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

16051

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.

From Your Site Articles

8 Stereotypes Sorority Girls Are Tired Of Hearing

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

Temple University

125

Verge Campus

Being a part of any organization undoubtedly comes with the pitfalls of being grouped into negative stereotypes, and sororities are certainly no exception. Here are the top few things, that I find at least, are some of the most irritating misconceptions that find their way into numerous conversations...

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

Emma Stone GIFfrom Emma Stone GIFs

Well all those fundraisers and marketing should would be a waste then wouldn't they?

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority girls

Lifestyle

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

University of Wisconsin Branch Schools

1201

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less

Lifestyle

11 Struggles Of Having An “Ethnic” Name

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

Bowling Green State University

823

thoughtcatalog.com

There are a lot of really easy, common names in the U.S. and while many of those simple names have different spellings, most of the time, pronunciation is not an issue that those people need to worry about. However, others are not as fortunate and often times give up on corrections after a while. We usually give an A+ for effort. So, as you could probably imagine, there are a few struggles with having a name that isn’t technically English. Here are just a few…

Keep Reading...Show less

ethnic name

Student Life

10 Thoughts We Have While Daydreaming In Class

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Monmouth University

366

day·dream (ˈdāˌdrēm/): a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention from the present.

Daydreams, the savior of our life in class. Every type of student in the classroom does it at least once, but most cases it is an everyday event, especially in that boring class -- you know the one. But what are we thinking while we are daydreaming?

Keep Reading...Show less

daydreaming

Politics and Activism

11 Things You Should Never Say To A Puerto Rican

Don't Be That Person

Bowling Green State University

11866

Jessica Pinero

Puerto Ricans. They are very proud people and whether they were born on the island or born in the United States by Puerto Rican parent(s). It gets even better when they meet another fellow Puerto Rican or Latino in general. You’ll know quickly if they are Puerto Rican whether the flag is printed somewhere on their person or whether they tell you or whether the famous phrase “wepa!” is said.

Keep Reading...Show less

puerto ricans

Recommended for you

United Nations Day 2023: Understanding The U.N.

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

In This Article:

​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?

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Featured

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Hope For A Better Future

Subscribe to our
Newsletter