As many of you probably know, the annual UN conference is occurring in New York this week. Diplomats from 193 countries are meeting this week to discuss global issues. Some of the headlining speakers include President Obama and the current Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, both of which will exit office after this year. Some big names are absent this year including Russia's president, Vladimir Putin.

So what does the United Nations actually do? They are the world's largest peace force, promoting humanitarian projects and sending aid to countries in need, including sending soldiers in some instances. During the 1990's, UN coalition troops were stationed alongside American forces in Somalia and again worked alongside the US during Desert Storm. The United Nations also is a huge catalyst for peace treaties. Many of the world's largest treaties begin at UN conferences and have succeeded in doing what the creators of the UN hoped it would do: prevent another world war.

Traditionally, people think of the United Nations as only a peace organization. While their main objective is to keep the peace, they also delve into areas such as the world economy and disaster relief. In my opinion, the United Nations really does keep the world together. Without it we would live in state of anarchy that no one could ever control.