UNO: United Nations Organization
The United Nations (UN) is an organization that works to maintain peace and security among its member countries by promoting social progress and human rights. It also works to reduce poverty, disease, and hunger worldwide. The United Nations is also called the “mini parliament” of the world because discussions and voting on global issues, budget, and entry of new members take place here.
The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945, through the efforts of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt to promote international cooperation and prevent large-scale conflicts. It consists of 193 member states. The UN works through five main organs, including the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.
The power to veto UN decisions lies with the five permanent members of the Security Council (US, Russia, China, Britain, France). When any new country applies to join the United Nations, only one permanent member state is required to veto the application.
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India’s Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit Became the First Woman President of the UN General Assembly
India signed the United Nations Charter at the San Francisco Conference on June 26, 1945. Following the ratification of the charter, India officially became its member on October 30, 1945. A total of 26 UN system organizations (companies, agencies, and programs) are actively serving and supporting development work in India.
These organizations are led by the UN Resident Coordinator. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit of India (sister of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru) was the first woman President of the UN General Assembly. She was elected President of the 8th session of the UN General Assembly in 1953.
Secretary-General of the United Nations
The Secretary-General leads the organization and serves as its chief diplomat. The current UN Secretary-General is António Guterres (Portugal). He has been in this position since January 1, 2017, and will serve until December 2026.
He is the 9th Secretary-General of the United Nations. He has also served as the Prime Minister of Portugal and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The first President of the General Assembly was Paul-Henri Spaak of Belgium, who was elected on January 16, 1946.
- International Court of Justice: Located in The Hague, Netherlands, this is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
- Headquarters: The headquarters of the United Nations is located in New York City, USA.
Flag of the United Nations
The official flag of the United Nations features a white symbol on a light blue background. At the center of the flag is a white world map centered on the North Pole. The map is surrounded on both sides by two olive branches, symbolizing world peace. The flag was officially adopted on October 20, 1947.
