Arshad Mahmood Awan

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the end of World War II to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations. It is the world’s largest and most representative intergovernmental organization, with 193 member states and two observer states.

The objectives of the UN are outlined in its Charter, which is the organization’sorganisation’s founding document. The Charter defines the purposes and principles of the UN, as well as the rights and obligations of its members. Some of the main objectives of the UN are:

• To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war
• To reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and dignity
• To establish conditions for justice and respect for international law
• To promote social progress and better standards of life
• To cooperate in solving international problems and promoting human development
• To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these common ends.

The UN has six principal organs that carry out its work: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. Each organ has a different function and composition, as follows:

• The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. It consists of representatives from all member states, each with one vote. The General Assembly discusses and decides on various issues of global concern, such as peace and security, human rights, development, budget, and membership. The General Assembly also elects and appoints other officials of the UN, such as the Secretary-General and the judges of the International Court of Justice.
• The Security Council is the primary organ for maintaining international peace and security. It has 15 members: five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The Security Council can adopt resolutions that are legally binding on all member states, such as imposing sanctions or authorizing military action to prevent or stop conflicts. The Security Council also establishes peacekeeping operations and special political missions to help resolve disputes and protect civilians.
• The Economic and Social Council is the principal organ for coordinating the economic, social and environmental activities of the UN and its specialized agencies, funds and programmes. It has 54 members elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms. The Economic and Social Council oversees various committees, commissions, agencies and bodies that deal with issues such as development, human rights, social welfare, health, education, culture, science, technology, trade, finance, environment and gender equality. The Economic and Social Council also holds an annual session to review progress and make recommendations on these issues.
• The Trusteeship Council was established to provide international supervision for 11 former colonies that were administered by seven member states under a system of trusteeship until they attained self-government or independence. The Trusteeship Council consists of the five permanent members of the Security Council. The Trusteeship Council suspended its operations in 1994 after all trust territories attained their goals. However, it still exists under the Charter and may resume its functions if new situations arise that require its attention. The Trusteeship Council also considers ways to promote international cooperation in matters related to decolonization.
• The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the UN. It consists of 15 judges elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council for nine-year terms. The International Court of Justice settles legal disputes between states that are submitted to it by agreement or by referral from other organs or specialized agencies of the UN. The International Court of Justice also gives advisory opinions on legal questions that are requested by authorized organs or agencies of the UN. The International Court of Justice is based in The Hague, Netherlands.
• The Secretariat is the administrative and operational arm of the UN. It consists of a staff of around 44,000 people from different nationalities working in various duty stations around the world. The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year term. The Secretary-General is the chief executive officer, spokesperson and leader of the UN. He or she carries out the decisions of other organs, oversees peacekeeping operations and special political missions, reports on global issues and challenges, mediates conflicts and crises, engages with world leaders and civil society, promotes human rights and humanitarian action, advocates for sustainable development and climate action, and represents the UN at various events and forums.

United Nations Day is an annual commemoration that marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter on 24 October 1945. United Nations Day was first celebrated in 1948 by a resolution of the General Assembly that declared 24 October to be devoted to making known to the people of the world the aims and achievements of the UN and to gaining their support for its work. In 1971 the General Assembly recommended that member states observe United Nations Day as a public holiday.

United Nations Day is important for several reasons. First, it is an occasion to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the UN in advancing peace, security, human rights, development, cooperation and solidarity among nations and peoples. The UN has played a vital role in preventing and resolving conflicts, protecting civilians, delivering humanitarian aid, promoting democracy and human rights, supporting social and economic development, combating poverty and inequality, addressing climate change and environmental challenges, and fostering global partnerships for the common good. The UN has also been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize four times for its efforts in these areas.

Second, United Nations Day is an opportunity to educate the public on the issues and challenges that the UN faces in fulfilling its mandate and goals. The UN operates in a complex and changing world where new threats and opportunities emerge constantly. The UN has to adapt and reform itself to meet the expectations and needs of its member states and the people it serves. The UN also has to overcome various constraints and difficulties, such as limited resources, political disagreements, bureaucratic inefficiencies, security risks, and public scepticism or criticism. The UN has to communicate effectively and transparently about its work and impact, as well as engage with various stakeholders and partners, such as civil society, media, academia, the private sector, regional organizations, and other actors. United Nations Day is a chance to raise awareness and understanding of these realities and challenges, as well as to solicit support and cooperation for the UN’s mission and vision.



Third, United Nations Day is a moment to reaffirm the commitment and responsibility of all member states and people to uphold the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and to support the work of the UN. The UN is not a perfect or flawless organization, but it is a unique and indispensable one. It is the only global organization that represents all nations and peoples, that embodies universal values and norms, that provides a forum for dialogue and diplomacy, that offers a platform for action and cooperation, and that strives for a better world for all. The UN cannot succeed without the active participation and contribution of its member states and people. United Nations Day is a reminder of this collective duty and obligation, as well as a call for solidarity and unity in facing the common challenges and opportunities of our time.

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