Facts about the United Nations you should know in 2020

Summary

The video provides an overview of the United Nations (UN), detailing its establishment after World War II by 51 countries aiming to prevent future conflicts. It highlights the UN's key objectives: maintaining peace, promoting sustainable development, and addressing global issues like hunger and human rights violations. With 193 member states today, the UN's funding comes from assessed contributions and voluntary donations. Significant achievements include providing vaccines to millions and supporting global food programs. The impact of COVID-19 on the General Assembly is noted, with virtual meetings focusing on sustainable development and gender equality, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 The UN was established in 1945 by 51 countries to prevent future wars after World War II.
• 🌍 The UN aims to maintain international peace and security, promote friendly relations among nations, and achieve global cooperation.
• 💰 Funding for the UN comes from annual assessments of member states, separate peacekeeping budgets, and voluntary contributions for special programs.
• 🌱 The UN addresses global issues like environmental problems, hunger, and human rights violations.
• 💉 Major achievements include supplying vaccines to 45% of the world's children and providing food assistance to around 91 million people.
• 📈 As of now, the UN has 193 member states, with only sovereign states eligible for membership.
• 🦠 The COVID-19 pandemic will impact the upcoming General Assembly meeting, making it virtual for the first time with pre-recorded speeches.
• 📊 Key focuses for the General Assembly this year include sustainable development targets and the loss of global biodiversity.
• 👩‍🎤 Gender equality will be a significant topic, emphasizing the protection of women's rights during the pandemic.
• ✍️ The UN's Paris Agreement on climate change had the highest number of signatories on a single day in history.

Q & A

What led to the establishment of the United Nations?

The United Nations was established after World War II by the core member states of the anti-fascist alliance, who aimed to form an inter-government organization to prevent future wars.

When was the term 'United Nations' first used?

The term 'United Nations' was first used in a joint declaration made in 1942.

How many countries signed the UN Charter, and when did it take effect?

On June 15, 1945, 51 countries signed the UN Charter, which took effect on October 24, 1945.

What are the three major areas of objectives for the UN?

The major objectives of the UN can be classified into three areas: maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, and addressing global issues such as environmental problems and human rights violations.

How has the membership of the UN changed since its founding?

At its founding, the UN had 51 member states; this number has increased to 193 member states today.

What are the main sources of funding for the UN?

The UN's funding comes from three main sources: the yearly budget approved by the General Assembly, a separate peacekeeping budget assessed from the five permanent members of the Security Council, and voluntary contributions for special UN programs.

What are some of the UN's major achievements?

Major achievements of the UN include providing vaccines to 45% of the world's children, assisting 91 million people through the World Food Program, and facilitating the signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change by a record number of countries in a single day.

How did COVID-19 affect the UN General Assembly meeting in 2020?

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 General Assembly meeting was held virtually for the first time, with leaders pre-recording their speeches and using a silence procedure for draft resolutions.

What key focus areas were highlighted for the 2020 General Assembly meeting?

Key focus areas for the 2020 General Assembly meeting included sustainable development targets, addressing biodiversity loss, and discussing the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 on women and girls.

What specific measures were discussed regarding gender equality during the meeting?

The meeting discussed protecting the rights of women and girls during the COVID-19 crisis, emphasizing this as a top priority for the UN.