THE UNITED NATIONS TODAY In the sixty-seven years since the United Nations
and more, to achieve its goals and coordinate
first convened in London in 1946, it perseveres as
efforts for a safer world.
the world’s only global organization and primary UNITED NATIONS MEMBERSHIP
forum for addressing issues that transcend national boundaries that cannot be resolved by
The original 51 member states of the UN have
any one country acting alone.
grown to the current number of 193. The two independent nation states not currently in the
MAIN PURPOSE
UN are Vatican City and Palestine. However, on
• to keep peace throughout the world
November 29, 2012, Palestine was granted the status of “non-member observer state.” A total of
• to develop friendly relations among nations
54 countries or territories are not currently in the United Nations.
• to help nations work together to improve the lives of poor people, to conquer hunger, disease
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES OF THE UN
and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms
Originally, English and French were established as the working languages at the UN. The six official
• to be a center for harmonizing the actions of
languages used at the United Nations today are:
nations to achieve these goals. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Along with its specialized agencies, the UN works
Spanish.
on a broad range of fundamental issues that include sustainable development, environment
This website offers an overview of some of the
and refugees’ protection, disaster relief, counter
global issues facing the UN today, and links to
terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation. It
other resources where you can get additional
is engaged in activities that promote democracy,
information. http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/index.
human rights, gender equality and the
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advancement of women, governance, economic and social development and international health, clearing landmines, expanding food production 74