About the United Nations Basic Facts About the United Nations

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

About the United Nations Basic Facts About the United Nations Basic Facts about the United Nations Basic Facts about the United Nations Basic Facts about the United Nations United Nations Department of Public Information New York Basic Facts about the United Nations Published by the United Nations Department of Public Information New York, New York 10017, United States of America Revised edition Copyright © 2011 United Nations All rights reserved All queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to: United Nations Publications, 300 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017, United States of America; e-mail: [email protected]; website: un.org/publications. ISBN: 978-92-1-101235-4 eISBN: 978-92-1-054807-6 United Nations publication Sales no. E.11.I.2 Front cover: Dust rises as a helicopter of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) takes off, carry- ing voting materials to Tali Payam for Southern Sudan’s referendum on self-determination (2 January 2011, UN Photo/Tim McKulka). Cover design: Graphic Design Unit, United Nations, New York Printed at the United Nations, New York FOREWORD he United Nations was founded on the conviction that the nations of the world can and should cooperate to resolve conflicts peacefully and change people’s lives for the better. More than 65 years later, and with a record of genuine accomplishments, we remain fully committed to these principles. Much has changed since the United Nations was founded. The Organization’s membership has nearly quadrupled, while decolonization, population growth and globalization have each contributed to the redrawing of our modern landscape. As our world has evolved, so have the challenges. Advances in technology are connecting and affecting us all in ways we could not have imagined even a decade ago; financial, food, health and energy crises have shown no respect for national borders; and climate change and other ecological threats have highlighted that sustainable development depends equally on three component pillars: social development, economic growth and environmental protection. In meeting these challenges, multilateral collaboration is more critical than ever, and the most effective venue for action remains the United Nations. Only by work- ing together can we harness the opportunities presented by these monumental shifts and avert the risks they pose. This century began with a breakthrough. In 2000, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) gave us a blueprint with an achievable timetable for meeting people’s most critical needs. We now have real results. With a growing number of development success stories—dramatic increases in school enrolment, expanded access to clean water, better control of disease, the growth of green technology—the transformative impact of the MDGs is undeniable. Equally influential is the unquenchable desire of ordinary people everywhere to see the fundamental values of the Charter of the United Nations realized in their daily lives. From Southern Sudan to Timor-Leste, from Tunisia to Kyrgyzstan, we have seen people longing for democratic accountability, freedom and human rights. The United Nations will continue to articulate and stand up for universal values and work through its system to embed them in the fabric of national and international life. Basic Facts about the United Nations, first issued in 1947, presents the history, goals, structure and most recent developments of the Organization. As new challenges emerge in politics, economics, technology and human rights, the United Nations continues to evolve to meet them. A notable example is the establishment, in 2010, of UN-Women, meant to help advance the benefits of gender equality and women’s empowerment across the whole of the UN agenda. At the same time, the ongoing process of change management at the UN is helping us to deliver more, and more effectively. I recommend this publication to anyone interested in this unique, invaluable and indispensable Organization, both as a reference for what has been achieved and a guide to what remains to be accomplished. Ban Ki-moon Secretary-General of the United Nations New York, April 2011 CONTENTS Foreword by the Secretary-General . v Contents . vii List of Acronyms . xiii About this Edition . xv UN System Chart . xvi I. UN CHARTER, STRUCTURE AND SYSTEM The Charter of the United Nations . 3 Purposes and principles . 4 Membership and official languages . 5 UN structure . 5 General Assembly . 5 Functions and powers . 6 Sessions . 6 Security Council . 7 Functions and powers . 8 Tribunals and courts . 9 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) . 12 Functions and powers . 12 Sessions and subsidiary bodies . 12 Regional commissions . 14 Relations with non-governmental organizations . 16 Trusteeship Council . 16 International Court of Justice . 16 Jurisdiction . 17 Membership . 17 Secretariat . 17 Secretary-General . 18 Departments and Offices . 21 Budget . 27 UN system . 29 Programmes and funds, research and training institutes, and other entities . 29 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) . 29 International Trade Centre (ITC) . 32 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) . 32 United Nations Volunteers (UNV) . 32 United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) . 33 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) . 33 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) . 34 United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) . 34 vii viii Basic Facts about the United Nations Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 35 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) . 36 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) . 36 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) . 37 World Food Programme (WFP) . 37 United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) . 38 United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) . 39 United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) . 39 United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) . 39 United Nations University (UNU) . 40 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) . 40 United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). 41 United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) . 41 Specialized agencies and related organizations . 42 International Labour Organization (ILO) . 42 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) . 42 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) . 43 World Health Organization (WHO) . 43 World Bank Group . 45 International Monetary Fund (IMF) . 47 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) . 48 International Maritime Organization (IMO) . 48 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) . 49 Universal Postal Union (UPU) . 49 World Meteorological Organization (WMO) . 50 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) . 50 International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) . 50 United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) . 51 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) . 52 Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) . 53 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) . 53 Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) . 54 World Trade Organization (WTO) . 54 II. INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY Security Council . 60 General Assembly . 62 Conflict prevention . 62 Peacekeeping . 62 Enforcement . 67 Contents ix Sanctions . 67 Authorizing military action . 68 Peacebuilding . 69 Electoral assistance . 69 Building peace through development . 70 Action for peace . 70 Africa . 70 Southern Africa . 71 Great Lakes region . 72 West Africa . 77 Central and East Africa . 83 The Americas . 88 Asia and the Pacific . 89 The Middle East . 89 Afghanistan . 94 Iraq . 96 India-Pakistan . 99 Tajikistan . 100 Cambodia . 101 Myanmar . 101 Nepal . 103 Bougainville/Papua New Guinea . 104 Timor-Leste . 104 Europe . 105 Cyprus . 105 Georgia . 106 The Balkans . 107 Disarmament . 110 Disarmament machinery . 110 Weapons of mass destruction . ..
Recommended publications
  • The UN Works for International Peace and Security
    Did You Know? 7 Since 1945, the UN has assisted in negotiating more than 170 peace settlements that have ended regional conflicts. 7 The United Nations played a role in bringing about independence in more than 80 countries that are now sovereign nations. 7 Over 500 multinational treaties – on human rights, terrorism, international crime, refugees, disarmament, commodities and the oceans – have been enacted through the efforts of the United Nations. 7 The World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian agency, reaches on average 90 million hungry people in 80 countries every year. 7 An estimated 90 per cent of global conflict-related deaths since 1990 have been civilians, and 80 percent of these have been women and children. 7 If each poor person on the planet had the same energy-rich lifestyle as an average person in Germany or the United Kingdom, four planets would be needed to safely cope with the pollution. That figure rises to nine planets when compared with the average of the United States or Canada. 07-26304—DPI/1888/Rev.3—August 2008—15M Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the United Nations FOR STUDENTS AT INTERMEDIATE AND SECONDARY LEVELS United Nations Department of Public Information New York, 2010 An introduction to the United Nations i Material contained in this book is not subject to copyright. It may be freely reproduced, provided acknowledgement is given to the UNITED NATIONS. For further information please contact: Visitors Services, Department of Public Information, United Nations, New York, NY 10017 Fax 212-963-0071; E-mail: [email protected] All photos by UN Photo, unless otherwise noted Published by the United Nations Department of Public Information Printed by the United Nations Publishing Section, New York Table of contents 1 Introduction to the United Nations .
    [Show full text]
  • International Study Guide Series
    International Study Guide Series Denmark Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development, Montana State University Extension 1 MONTANA 4‐H INTERNATIONAL STUDY SERIES The 4‐H program has had an active role in Montana youth and volunteer development for almost 100 years. It is most well‐known for its local emphasis, but 4‐H does exist in a broader context ‐ from a local to an international level. The ultimate objective of 4‐H international and cross‐cultural programming is "peace through understanding." Extension Service efforts help young people achieve this overall goal by encouraging them to: realize the significance of global interdependency; develop positive cross‐cultural attitudes and skills that enhance understanding and acceptance of people from other ethnic, social, or economic backgrounds; appreciate for the similarities and differences among all people; assume global citizenship responsibilities; develop an understanding of the values and attitudes of Americans. Since the introduction of international 4‐H opportunities in 1948, the Montana 4‐H program has been committed to the goal of global awareness and increasing cross‐cultural understanding. Cultures are becoming more dependent upon one another for goods, services, food, and fiber. Montana's role in the international trade arena is ever‐growing. The acquisition of increased knowledge of the markets and the people who influence those markets is crucial to the residents of our state. The 4‐H international programs are coordinated by States’ 4‐H International Exchange Programs (S4‐H) for participating state 4‐H Youth Development programs. Funding for the exchange programs is provided on the state level by the Montana 4‐H Foundation through private donations and contributions.
    [Show full text]
  • Arthur Sweetser Papers [Finding Aid]. Library Of
    Arthur Sweetser Papers A Finding Aid to the Collection in the Library of Congress Manuscript Division, Library of Congress Washington, D.C. 2013 Contact information: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mss.contact Additional search options available at: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms013059 LC Online Catalog record: http://lccn.loc.gov/mm78042085 Prepared by Manuscript Division Staff Collection Summary Title: Arthur Sweetser Papers Span Dates: 1913-1961 Bulk Dates: (bulk 1919-1947) ID No.: MSS42085 Creator: Sweetser, Arthur, 1888-1968 Extent: 22,350 items ; 95 containers plus 4 oversize ; 36.6 linear feet Language: Collection material in English Location: Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. Summary: Public official and journalist. Correspondence, diaries, memoranda, press releases, newspaper clippings, speeches, articles, scrapbooks, and other papers relating to Sweetser's career in journalism and diplomacy. Selected Search Terms The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the Library's online catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically therein. People Acheson, Dean, 1893-1971--Correspondence. Baruch, Bernard M. (Bernard Mannes), 1870-1965--Correspondence. Comert, Pierre--Correspondence. Croly, Herbert David, 1869-1930--Correspondence. Davis, Elmer Holmes, 1890-1958--Correspondence. Davis, Malcolm W. (Malcolm Waters), 1899- --Correspondence. Drummond, Eric, Sir, 1876- --Correspondence. Fosdick, Raymond B. (Raymond Blaine), 1883-1972--Correspondence. Gerig, Benjamin, 1894-1976--Correspondence. Gilchrist, Huntington, 1891-1975--Correspondence. Grew, Joseph C. (Joseph Clark), 1880-1965--Correspondence. Hambro, Carl Joachim, 1885-1964--Correspondence. House, Edward Mandell, 1858-1938--Correspondence. Hudson, Manley O.
    [Show full text]
  • UN.Today.Pdf
    DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION The United Nations Today asdf United Nations New York, 2008 Note: Every effort is made to keep basic information current up to the date of publication, including responsible officials, contact information, treaty ratifications, etc. All other data is current as of July 2007, unless stated otherwise. Published by the United Nations Department of Public Information Printed by the Publishing Section/DGACM United Nations Headquarters New York, NY 10017 www.un.org ISBN 978-92-1-101160-9 United Nations Publication Sales No. E.08.I.6 Copyright © 2008 United Nations iii Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, and for these ends to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples, have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims.
    [Show full text]
  • 91 STAT. 1764 PROCLAMATION 4525—SEPT. 26, 1977 • United
    91 STAT. 1764 PROCLAMATION 4525—SEPT. 26, 1977 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and second. -••' . JIMMY CARTER Proclamation 4525 • September 26, 1977 • United Nations Day, 1977 ,r By the President of the United States of America ,. , A Proclamation Each year on October 24, Americans join with the people of other countries in celebrating the anniversary of the United Nations—an institution created to maintain international peace and security, to promote the self-determination of peoples, to en­ courage respect for human rights, and to foster economic and social welfare. Americans have been instrumental in creating the United Nations, in advancing cooperation through its forums, and in providing, over the years, the largest share of its financial support. Since its establishment at San Francisco in 1945, the United Nations has under­ gone profound change. Its membership has nearly trebled from the original 51 mem­ bers, as most of the former colonial areas of Asia and Africa received their inde­ pendence. New problems brought on by developments in science and technology and by global interdependence have tested the ability of governments to cooperate har­ moniously. Problems like the arms race, the spread of nuclear weapons, the inter­ national economic order, the disposition of the world's oceanic resources, energy, and environmental pollution transcend national boundaries, making the United Nations and its specialized and technical agencies of continuing importance to the international community.
    [Show full text]
  • Updating the United Nations to Confront 21St Century Threats
    Updating the United Nations to Confront 21st Century Threats: The Challenge to the High-Level Panel 39th Conference on the United Nations of the Next Decade Sponsored by The Stanley Foundation June 11-16, 2004 Black Point Inn Prouts Neck, Maine Executive Summary As is often noted, the United Nations was designed in 1945 for a world that is dramatically different from our own. While there have been useful and important organizational innovations over the past six decades, the United Nations’ member states have by and large preserved it without significant change. The conceptual task of the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change will be to weave together diverse threat perceptions into a common understanding. The threat most clearly identified as inimical to international peace and security is armed conflict, and the threat of armed conflict has dominated Security Council deliberations over the years. But can a collective security system intended to serve the widest interests of the community of nations remain so focused on halting wars? What about the structural factors—such as grinding poverty and the weakness of governance—that impede the development of countries and their citizens and sometimes contribute to conflict? What about the devastating new technologies of war and terrorism, whose threat transcends specific conflicts? In terms of institutional structure, can the world community tackle its agenda of threats and challenges with the main political and policy action still concentrated in one council? For that matter, can the Security Council preserve its legitimacy without adjusting its membership? As the panel answers these questions, it will outline an agenda that takes in a fuller sweep of contemporary problems and takes stock of the concerns of the entire world community.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2017
    ANNUAL REPORT Covering activities during 2017 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The 2017 Annual Report has been developed by the Advocacy Section and the Strategic Planning and Interagency Affairs Unit situated with- in the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs. It was prepared under the supervision of Jean-Luc Lemahieu, Director of the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, and the guidance of Gillian Murray, Deputy Director of the Division for Policy Analysis and Pub- lic Affairs and Chief of the Public Affairs and Policy Support Branch. The authors wish to thank colleagues from the Division for Opera- tions and its Field Offices, the Division for Treaty Affairs, the Division for Management and the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Af- fairs for their invaluable inputs and comments. The preparation of this Annual Report benefitted from the financial contribution of the Government of Sweden. UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME Vienna UNODC ANNUAL REPORT Covering activities during 2017 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. Suggested citation: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. No use of this publication may be made for resale or any other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission in writing from UNODC. Applications for such permission, with a statement of purpose and intent of the reproduction, should be addressed to UNODC, Advocacy Section.
    [Show full text]
  • ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Supporting a World in Transformation
    ANNUAL REPORT 2013 SupportING A WORLD IN TRANSFORMatION I FOREWORD III EXECUTIVE SUMMARY IV 2013 HIGHLIGHTS 01 CHAPTER I Multi-stakeholder engagement in the work of the United Nations 12 SPECIAL FOCUS “Intellectual Geneva”: UNOG as a ANNUAL REPORT platform for innovation and knowledge 15 CHAPTER II SUPPORTING A WORLD Outreach and engagement: the work of the United Nations IN TRANSFORMATION 19 SPECIAL FOCUS Engaging youth in the work 2013 of the United Nations 23 CHAPTER III UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT GENEVA Essential services supporting the work of the United Nations in Geneva and around the world 29 SPECIAL FOCUS Towards a greener, more sustainable UNOG 35 SPECIAL FOCUS Accessibility in progress 37 CHAPTER IV A platform for shaping global solutions 42 SPECIAL FOCUS The meaning of international civil service 44 SPECIAL FOCUS The UNOG Library: a hub for the sharing of intellectual and cultural knowledge 49 IN FOCUS Cultural activities at UNOG: a window to the world 56 ANNEX I Organization Chart United Nations Office at Geneva 57 ANNEX II Useful Contacts 58 United Nations system in Geneva and main partners ANNUAL REPORT 2013 ForeworD SupportING A WORLD IN TRANSFORMatION SupportING I FOREWORD III EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A WORLD IN IV 2013 HIGHLIGHTS TRANSFORMatION 01 CHAPTER I (UN Photo/Violaine Martin) Multi-stakeholder engagement in the work of the United Nations 12 SPECIAL FOCUS “Intellectual Geneva”: UNOG as a Our world is in transformation. The year 2013 was and enhancing the work of the United Nations in Geneva platform for innovation and knowledge certainly representative of this fact. Economic, political, through partnerships, will endure far into the future demographic and environmental challenges continue to and I pay tribute to his important contribution.
    [Show full text]
  • Report of the Secretary-General I. List of Responsibilities of the Focal Points
    As of 9-Apr-21 Supplementary information to report A/75/798 on multilingualism Seventy-fifth session Item 129 of the agenda Multilingualism Report of the Secretary-General Supplementary Information1 I. List of responsibilities of the focal points for multilingualism in the UN Secretariat 1) providing support to their head of entity in implementing relevant mandates and ensuring that multilingualism is mainstreamed in their entity’s work plans and their daily activities; 2) promoting greater awareness of all stakeholders in their entity about relevant mandates and the benefits generated by multilingualism at the organizational and work unit levels; 3) monitoring and reporting periodically on progress made in implementing mandates relating to multilingualism as well as on obstacles, challenges or opportunities identified in the promotion of multilingualism; 4) contributing to the development and realization of short and long-term multilingualism targets as set out in their head of entity’s compacts with the Secretary-General, and other action plans / accountability documents as applicable; 5) seeking creative solutions and measures for implementation of the General Assembly’s mandates including by establishing partnerships with external stakeholders, such as other international organizations, Member States and academic institutions; 6) engaging within other Secretariat entities through the network of focal points under the stewardship of the Coordinator, to help assess progress achieved, share best practices, identify obstacles and discuss, where appropriate, policies and approaches. 7) disseminating communications from the Coordinator for Multilingualism within their respective entities and coordinating their entity’s response as needed, including in relation with language celebrations and the preparation of the biennial report of the Secretary-General on multilingualism.
    [Show full text]
  • The United Nations Guide to the Youth Delegate Programme
    The United Nations Guide to the Youth Delegate Programme 2nd Edition DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations Secretariat is a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social and environmental spheres and national action. The Department works in three main interlinked areas: (i) it compiles, generates and analyses a wide range of economic, social and environmental data and information on which States Members of the United Nations draw to review common problems and to take stock of policy options; (ii) it facilitates the negoti- ations of Member States in many intergovernmental bodies on joint courses of action to address ongoing or emerging global challenges; and (iii) it advises interested Governments on the ways and means of translating policy frameworks developed in United Nations conferences and summits into programmes at the country level and, through technical assistance, helps build national capacities. NOTE The designations employed and the presentation of the material in the present publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country or territory or of its authorities or concerning the delimita- tions of its frontiers. The term “country” as used in the text of this report also refers, as appropriate, to territories or areas. The designations of country groups in the text and the tables are intended solely for statistical or analytical convenience and do not necessarily express a judgement about the stage reached by a particular country or area in the development process.
    [Show full text]
  • UN 2.0: Ten Innovations for Global Governance 75 Years Beyond San Francisco
    INTERNATIONAL ORDER & CONFLICT REPORT UN 2.0: Ten Innovations for Global Governance 75 Years beyond San Francisco Just Security Platform on 2020 Program GLOBAL SECURITY, JUSTICE & GOVERNANCE INNOVATION About this report UN 2.0 considers the kinds of enlightened global leadership and vision, norms, tools, institutions, and ethic of civic engagement required to better deal with pressing global challenges, from avoiding runaway climate change to preventing atrocities and reducing the disruptive potential of novel technologies. Drawing parallels to the 1944 Dumbarton Oaks conference that, in the midst of World War II and on the heels of the Great Depression, laid the groundwork for the successful 1945 San Francisco conference that founded the United Nations, the report argues for this September’s UN75 Summit and Declaration to lay the foundations for further innovating and strengthening global governance in the coming two-to-three critical years. In presenting a bold yet practical roadmap for global renewal, UN 2.0 stresses the need for international organizations, starting with the United Nations, to harness creatively the ideas, networks, and capabilities of governments, civil society, and the private sector for effective global problem-solving. About Stimson The Stimson Center promotes international security, shared prosperity & justice through applied research and independent analysis, deep engagement, and policy innovation. For three decades, Stimson has been a leading voice on urgent global issues. Founded in the twilight years of the Cold War, the Stimson Center pioneered practical new steps toward stability and security in an uncertain world. Today, as changes in power and technology usher in a challenging new era, Stimson is at the forefront: Engaging new voices, generating innovative ideas and analysis, and building solutions to promote international security, prosperity, and justice.
    [Show full text]
  • How the United Nations Beat Hitler and Prepared the Peace
    Global Society, Vol. 22, No. 1, January, 2008 How the United Nations Beat Hitler and Prepared the Peace DAN PLESCHÃ The United Nations was born in 1942, defeated the Axis Powers led by Germany, Italy and Japan and created today’s UN system. This reality has been lost in modern scholar- ship. We are taught that the Allied countries, mainly America and Britain, with the Soviet Union won the war and that the United Nations was created in 1945. In this way, the achievement of victory can be set in opposition to the United Nations and to multilateralism in general. But it should not be possible to separate victory in the war from the modern United Nations and its priorities, for these were the priorities set by the United Nations at war. America, Britain and the Soviet Union led a large coalition of states organised as the United Nations and this term was used routinely in military orders, in the instruments of surrender signed by the enemy and in political and social life. Bretton Woods and San Francisco were United Nations conferences, and interim United Nations organisations preceded the Charter. Understanding the wartime United Nations reframes our understanding of the second half of the last century and of our own. From UNESCO to the World Bank the primary purpose of the international system is conflict prevention and its wartime architects bequeathed us this system as a realist necessity vital in times of trial, not as a liberal accessory to be discarded when the going gets rough. Introduction The statement that, “The United Nations was established at the end of the Second World War ...” has become an established fact of modern history.1 However, in 1945, an official publication from more than 30 countries stated that “The formal birth of the United Nations was the adoption in Washington D.C., on January 1, 1942, of the ‘Declaration by United Nations’.”2 Today, the fact that the war was fought by this United Nations alliance has been forgotten.
    [Show full text]