United Nations

Francine Pickup: More investment needed in sustainable housing projects
Infrastructure
Francine Pickup: More investment needed in sustainable housing projects
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 12:24
Aya Mohanna: Issue of integrating climate risks becoming key for countries in Arab region
Foreign policy
Aya Mohanna: Issue of integrating climate risks becoming key for countries in Arab region
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 12:23
ASAN model in urbanization discussed at WUF13
Photo
Foreign policy
ASAN model in urbanization discussed at WUF13
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 12:19
UN-Habitat: Arab region is among most water-stressed areas
Infrastructure
UN-Habitat: Arab region is among most water-stressed areas
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 12:18
Lamia AlSaud: 600 houses built, 5,000 people trained in Yemen as part of project with UN-Habitat
Infrastructure
Lamia AlSaud: 600 houses built, 5,000 people trained in Yemen as part of project with UN-Habitat
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 12:18
African regional ministerial meeting launched in Baku within WUF13
Foreign policy
African regional ministerial meeting launched in Baku within WUF13
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 12:15
UNECA thanks Azerbaijan for hosting WUF13 at critical time for Africa
Foreign policy
UNECA thanks Azerbaijan for hosting WUF13 at critical time for Africa
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 12:06
UN-Habitat calls for using experience of ancient civilizations for climate adaptation
Foreign policy
UN-Habitat calls for using experience of ancient civilizations for climate adaptation
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 12:01
Saudi Princess: Riyadh, Baku planning new joint initiatives - EXCLUSIVE
Foreign policy
Saudi Princess: Riyadh, Baku planning new joint initiatives - EXCLUSIVE
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 11:59
Deema Abu Thiab: Nature-based solutions help Jordan combat water shortages
Infrastructure
Deema Abu Thiab: Nature-based solutions help Jordan combat water shortages
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 11:52
Saudi princess at WUF13 calls for people-centered housing development
Foreign policy
Saudi princess at WUF13 calls for people-centered housing development
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 11:50
Volunteers are key to smart cities, UN coordinator says in Baku
Foreign policy
Volunteers are key to smart cities, UN coordinator says in Baku
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 11:45
Lamia AlSaud: Housing - starting point for security, stability
Infrastructure
Lamia AlSaud: Housing - starting point for security, stability
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 11:38
Santosh Kumar Rungta: Housing must be accessible and inclusive
Infrastructure
Santosh Kumar Rungta: Housing must be accessible and inclusive
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 11:36
Zeina ElZein: Arab world promoting nature-based solutions to housing crisis
Foreign policy
Zeina ElZein: Arab world promoting nature-based solutions to housing crisis
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 11:31
WUF13 continues on its third day – PHOTOS
Photo
Domestic policy
WUF13 continues on its third day – PHOTOS
  • 19 May, 2026
  • 11:27
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United Nations: Structure, Core Purposes, Principal Organs, and Operations

United Nations (commonly known as the UN) is a global international organization founded on October 24, 1945, following the devastation of World War II, with the primary mandate to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote international cooperation. Succeeding the ineffective League of Nations, the UN currently unites nearly all recognized sovereign states worldwide—totaling 193 member states.

1. Fundamental Purposes and Principles

Peace and Security: Preventing armed conflict, mediating international disputes through diplomatic channels, and deploying peacekeeping missions to stabilize post-conflict zones.

Human Rights and Sustainable Development: Safeguarding fundamental human freedoms, combating discrimination, eradicating extreme poverty, providing humanitarian relief, and executing the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Principal Organs of the UN

General Assembly: The main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN, comprising all member states (each holding a single vote) to debate global issues and adopt non-binding resolutions.

Security Council: The powerful executive organ bearing primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It consists of 15 members, including five permanent veto-wielding powers—often known as the P5 (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States)—and ten rotating non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Secretariat: The administrative engine of the organization, headed by the Secretary-General, carrying out day-to-day operations, field missions, and research.

International Court of Justice (ICJ): The principal judicial organ of the UN, located in The Hague, Netherlands, which adjudicates legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): The central platform coordinating economic, social, and environmental work across the vast network of UN specialized agencies.

3. Specialized Agencies, Programs, and Funds

Global Network: The UN system encompasses numerous autonomous specialized bodies and operational programs addressing specific global challenges, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, UNICEF, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).