Top 10 Sensational Facts about the United Nations

The United Nations offices in Geneva by Mathias Reding from Unsplash

Top 10 Sensational Facts about the United Nations

The United Nations has changed the world in different spheres. It has promoted peace and security, resolved conflicts, and established cooperation among nations. Furthermore, the organization has put up initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty and addressing climate change.

Moreover, through its specialized agencies, the United Nations has started programs meant to improve the lives of people worldwide. Since its start, it has grown to become the world’s largest intergovernmental establishment.

It started with 51 members and now it boasts 193 member states out of 195 countries in the world. Thus the organization is at the center of affairs affecting the globe. Read on to learn about the United Nations.

Here are the top 10 Amazing Truths about the United Nations.

1. The United Nations came up after Second World War

The United Nations emblem by Bernd Dittrich from Unsplash

This international organization came to be on 24 October 1945 in San Francisco. It happened less than two months after the end of World War II (WWII). The official record for the end of WWII was on 2 September 1945.

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2. The United Nations is committed to peace and security

The core values of this organization are promoting international peace and security. Additionally, they look into establishing international solidarity as well as cordial relations among nations.

They also advocate for social progress, and human rights as well as boost the living standards in poverty-stricken regions of the world. The U.N. also encourages political and economic cooperation throughout the world.

3. All countries are U.N. member states except for two

Desk Globe by Arpit Rastogi from Unsplash

When the United Nations was formed in 1945, there were only 51 members affiliated with the organization. As of 2023, the organization prides itself in 193 member states.

Furthermore, there are 195 countries in the world. Thus only two countries are non-partisan U.N. member states. They are the Holy See and the State of Palestine. These two belong to the classification of non-member observer states.

The observer states are deemed so because they are allowed to take part in the activities of the United Nations General Assembly. But their participation is limited since they are not member states. For example, they can’t vote on the forum.

4. The United Nations headquarters are in New York City

This nonprofit organization has sat in the heart of Manhattan in New York City since 1951. Though centered in New York, the U.N. has a presence across the world either in form of offices or through its affiliate agencies.

5. It has six official languages

The U.N. has six languages that it regards for communication during its meetings as well as for documentation purposes. These languages are English, Arabic, and French. Further, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian form part of the list as well.

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6. The United Nations Security Council has five permanent members

While the Security Council sits fifteen members, five members are permanent while ten are elected on a two-year term. The permanent members include the United States and the United Kingdom. Also France, China, and the Russian Federation.

The U.N. General Assembly is tasked with the responsibility of electing non-permanent members at the end of every two-year term.

7. The U.N. hosts an annual General Assembly session for members

Delegates during a United Nations forum in the headquarter offices in New York by Matthew TenBruggencate from Unsplash

During September each year, there is an annual meeting held in the General Assembly Hall in New York. This is a session organized by the United Nations and is attended by many heads of state. The forum includes a debate session in which the attendees take part. 

8. It has specialized agencies that cut across every industry

The United Nations has put up institutions that address specific concerns related to their core values and key matters in society. These agencies represent different fields such as health, finance, justice, communication, agriculture, the environment, and more.

The World Health Organization (WHO) for instance deals with health issues affecting the world like the COVID-19 pandemic. Other U.N. affiliate institutions are the International Criminal Court, World Bank, and International Telecommunication Union, among others.

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9. The U.N. has won the Nobel Prizes many times

The organization alongside its specialized agencies, affiliated institutions, and programs has received many Nobel Prizes. The entity prides itself as a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize over ten times.

10. The United Nations flag speaks for world peace

Flag of United Nations in Copenhagen by Leif Jørgensen from Wikimedia Commons

The blue flag has an emblem of a world map surrounded by two olive branches. Thus the olive branches stand for peace. The world map serves as a reminder of the ambition of the U.N. in seeking peace around the globe.

Here are quick facts about the United Nations

11. The United Nations is pivotal in solving international difficulties such as poverty, conflicts, climate change, and diseases.

12. It has grand initiatives focused on making the livelihood of people around the world better. Such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Also, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

13. The U.N. advocates for human rights protection through its human rights council.

14. The organization’s refugee agency protects refugees throughout the globe.

15. The entity creates awareness around the world about its functions and operations via the United Nations Information Centres (UNICs).

The United Nations has contributed a lot to shaping our world. From peacekeeping, and human rights adherence, to maintaining justice, promoting good health, and improving living standards. This organization is an international force for positive change committed to ensuring a better world for all.