Transcript The UN - PBworks

The UN
CHV20
The United Nations
 is an international organization that is almost like a
world government.
 The headquarters building is in New York City.
 It is not a world government because it does not make
laws. However, they have a charter that is an
international treaty that sets out basic principles of
international relations.
 It was established in October of 1945.
 This organization was needed at that time because of
the devastation suffered through World War II.
 At that point 51 countries, headed by USA, Britain,
USSR, and China committed to preserve peace
throughout the world.
 Today 193 countries belong to the United Nations,
which is almost every nation in the world.
Countries not a part of the UN
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Taiwan – not recognized as sovereign state
Kosovo- not recognized as sovereign state
Palestine – currently invited to observe
Vatican City- not interested
The UN has 4 Purposes:
 To maintain international peace and
security;
 To develop and preserve friendly relations
among all nations;
 To solve international problems that may
arise while promoting respect for human
rights;
 To be a focal point for harmonizing
intentions and actions of all nations
The UN is comprised of sections
called “bodies”
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The General Assembly
Trusteeship Council
The Security Council
Secretariat
Economic and Social Council
International Court of Justice
The General Assembly
 Is referred to as a parliament of nations.
 Each nation has one seat and one vote.
 Decisions concerning key issues are decided by twothirds majority, others are decided by simple majority.
Recently a consensus has been implemented rather
than a formal vote.
 Holds a regular session once a year to discuss and
debate important world issues.
 Makes recommendations to other UN bodies.
 Approves the UN budget.
The Security Council
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Its primary responsibility is to maintain international
peace and security.
The council may meet at any time peace is threatened.
All members are obligated to carry out the Council’s
decisions.
Fifteen Council members exist.
Five Council members are permanent members – China,
France, The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and
The United States (notice Canada has been left out of this
category).
The General Assembly elect the other ten Council members
for two-year terms.
Makes recommendations on the appointment of a new
Secretary-General and on the admission of new Members of
the UN to the General Assembly.
Economic and Social Council
 Exists under the authority of the General Assembly.
 Plays a key role in promoting international
cooperation for development.
 Consults with Non-Governmental Organizations.
 Has fifty-fours members in three-year terms whom
are elected by the General Assembly.
 Holds a major meeting in July along with several
others during the year.
The Trusteeship Council
 Consists of five permanent members
of the Security Council.
 Established to provide international
supervision.
 Rules and procedures have been
amended to allow the council to meet
when needed.
The International Court of Justice
 Also known as the World Court.
 Consists of fifteen judges.
 Settles legal disputes between
countries.
 Headquarters are in The Hague
(Netherlands).
The Secretariat
 It’s head is the Secretary-General
who provides administrative
guidance.
 Oversees the operation of The United
Nations.
 Total staff of approximately 7,500
people from over 170 countries.
The UN Annual Conference
 Each year a conference is held for students at the
United Nations headquarters in New York City.
 Students from all over the world attend the
conference.
 Guest speakers are invited to speak on human rights
topics chosen for that year’s conference.
 The goal of this annual conference is to promote
learning and awareness, and stimulate action
among youth and youth leaders about human
rights.
 Lastly, the conference provides youth participants with
hands-on experience using recent information
technologies such as web casting and video
conferencing.
UN Development Goals 2015
 http://www.blatant
world.com/video_cl
ip/united_nations_
millennium_develo
pment_goals_for_2
015.html
 http://www.youtub
e.com/watch?v=v3
p2VLTowAA&featur
e=related
Do you recognize these NGO’s?
NGO’s
 An NGO is a Non-Governmental
Organization that works together to
resolve world problems.
 Because it is often difficult to know how to
get involved at the global level, NGOs
provide citizens with a starting point to
follow through with their interest in world
problems.
 You can get involved by donating money,
speaking to family and friends about world
needs, writing letters and joining lobby
campaigns.
Examples of NGO’s
 http://chatt.hdsb.ca/~menkac/classe
s/NGOs.htm
NGO’s based in Canada
Wed- Guest Speaker
 The Red Cross!!!!