What are the main functions of the UN?
Apr 12, 2023
This essay discusses the main functions of the United Nations (UN). The UN is a global intergovernmental organization that works to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, promote economic, social and cultural development, protect human rights and provide humanitarian aid.
The first of these primary functions is maintaining international peace and security. The UN was founded in 1945 with the aim of preventing another world war. It does this by deploying peacekeepers to areas where conflict or instability are present, mediating disputes between countries and providing funding for initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts.
The second main function of the UN is to develop friendly relations between countries around the world. This includes encouraging cooperation on matters such as trade and environmental protection, negotiating treaties to facilitate arms control and disarmament, and facilitating dialogue between nations.
The third primary function is to promote economic, social and cultural development around the world. This includes providing funding for developmental projects such as healthcare, education and infrastructure; encouraging countries to cooperate on issues such as sustainable energy production; and advocating for international standards of human rights.
Fourthly, the UN works to protect human rights by drafting international conventions to define basic rights that all individuals are entitled to, and creating mechanisms for monitoring states’ compliance with these laws.
Finally, the UN provides humanitarian aid in times of need. This includes responding quickly to natural disasters or man-made emergencies with food assistance and medical supplies; promoting safe access to clean water; initiating relief efforts for refugees; and providing other forms of aid as necessary.
In conclusion, the UN works to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations between countries, promote economic, social and cultural development, protect human rights and provide humanitarian aid. Through these primary functions, it strives to create a better world through collaboration and cooperation.
