United Nations Day: Understanding the U.N.
Start writing a post
Featured

United Nations Day 2023: Understanding The U.N.

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

15936
Multiple countries flags on poles

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

Painted rocks and pebbles on the groundblue 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 itU.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 logo in Blue on a white backround

    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.

    Report this Content
    beer on the beach

    Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

    Keep Reading...Show less
    Featured

    7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

    75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

    768
    woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
    Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

    SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

    Keep Reading...Show less
    Entertainment

    25 Lyrics for Selfie Captions

    Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

    53426
    woman takes a selfie for social media
    Pixabay

    Sometimes you can't think of the perfect caption for your Instagram post. I love using lyrics as my captions because there's so many great lines in songs that just seem to fit in the moment. Here are some lyrics that could work for your selfie or pictures of you with your friends!

    Keep Reading...Show less
    Entertainment

    Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

    Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

    19883
    bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

    Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

    Keep Reading...Show less
    Lifestyle

    New England Summers Are The BEST Summers

    Why you should spend your next summer in New England.

    3085
    Marconi Beach

    Three years ago, I chose to attend college in Philadelphia, approximately 360 miles away from my small town in New Hampshire. I have learned many valuable lessons away from home, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Pennsylvania. One thing that my experience has taught me, however, is that it is absolutely impossible to beat a New England summer.

    Keep Reading...Show less

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter

    Facebook Comments