20 Facts About the UNITED NATIONS You Should Know

Summary

The video offers 20 key facts about the United Nations, exploring its history, structure, and missions. Highlights include the creation of the UN in 1945, its six main organs, its peacekeeping efforts, and global initiatives such as ending poverty and combating climate change. The UN's international presence, including its headquarters in New York and main offices across the world, is emphasized. The video also covers the official languages, notable awards, and key figures like the Secretary-General, offering a comprehensive look at the organization's impact on global peace and security.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The United Nations (UN) is the largest intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain global peace, foster friendly relations among nations, and promote international cooperation.
• 🎉 United Nations Day is celebrated annually on October 24th, marking the day the UN officially came into existence in 1945.
• 🕊️ The UN's core mission is to maintain international peace and security, with significant efforts toward protecting human rights and promoting the rule of law.
• 🏳️ The UN has 193 member states, with the Vatican City and Palestine not being full members. Palestine holds permanent observer status.
• 🏢 The UN headquarters is in New York City, with major offices in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, and The Hague, overseeing activities in five geographic regions.
• 🗣️ The UN operates in six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, ensuring global inclusivity in its communications.
• 🏅 The United Nations has won several prestigious awards, including multiple Nobel Peace Prizes and an Academy Award for one of its documentaries.
• 💰 In 2020, the UN adopted a $3 billion budget to advance its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, such as ending poverty, promoting gender equality, and addressing climate change.
• 👶 Millie Bobby Brown became the youngest-ever UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador at age 14 in 2018, joining the organization's efforts to help children worldwide.
• 🔒 The UN Security Council has 15 members, including 5 permanent ones: China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the United Nations (UN)?

The main goal of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote international cooperation.

When is United Nations Day celebrated, and why?

United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24th every year to commemorate the day the UN officially came into existence in 1945.

How many countries were part of the UN when it was first created?

The UN was initially formed by 51 countries, with Poland joining later to become one of the original members.

What are the six official languages of the United Nations?

The six official languages of the United Nations are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.

Which two countries are not members of the United Nations and why?

Vatican City and Palestine are not members. Vatican City has observer status but does not vote, while Palestine is also a permanent observer due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Where are the main offices of the United Nations located?

The main offices of the UN are located in New York City (headquarters), Geneva (Switzerland), Nairobi (Kenya), Vienna (Austria), and The Hague (Netherlands).

What is the significance of the UN flag and emblem?

The UN emblem consists of a world map surrounded by olive branches, symbolizing peace. The flag has the emblem on a light blue background, with blue and white being the official colors of the UN.

Who is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations?

The current Secretary-General of the United Nations is António Guterres, who began his term on January 1, 2017.

What are the six principal organs of the United Nations?

The six principal organs of the UN are the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and UN Secretariat.

What is the role of the United Nations military personnel, known as Blue Helmets?

The UN's Blue Helmets are military personnel provided by member states to participate in peacekeeping missions, helping to maintain peace and security in conflict areas.