Pēteris PodvinskisInternational Organisations Division, First Secretary

peteris.podvinskis@mfa.gov.lv, +371 67016124

February 26, 2016, Riga

Introduction to the United Nations System

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United Nations Organization

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What is the UN?

-The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 for the peace, security and cooperation among Nations.-The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter.-Currently has 193 Member States.-Headquarters in New York City.

26 February 2016, Riga

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History of the UN- the League of Nations was the predecessor to the UN, it was founded in1919 and was responsible for ensuring peace and cooperation between world nations- the term ‘’United Nations’’ was introduced in 1942 by Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt- the UN was founded on October 24, 1945, when the Charter of the UN came into force

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The purposes of the United Nations, as set forth in the Charter

- to maintain international peace and security- to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect

for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples

- to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

- to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these common ends

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Four areas that are the pillars of the UN

Peace and SecurityHuman Rights

The Rule of LawDevelopment

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UN System Chart

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General Assembly

• The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the UN and is composed of representatives of all Member States each of which has one vote.

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Security Council

• Under the Charter, the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions.

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Economic and Social Council

• A founding UN Charter body established in 1946, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the place where the world’s economic, social and environmental challenges are discussed and debated, and policy recommendations issued.

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Trusteeship Council

• The Trusteeship Council was established to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories and to make sure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government or independence.

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International Court of Justice

• The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The Court is charged with settling legal disputes between States and giving advisory opinions to the United Nations and its specialized agencies.

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Secretariat

• The UN Secretariat, consisting of staff representing all nationalities working in duty stations all over the world, carries out the day to day work of the Organization. The Secretariat services the other principal organs of the United Nations and administers the programmes and policies established by them.

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Regional Offices

Offices Outside the Main Headquarters:- Geneva- Vienna - Nairobi

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Funds, Programmes, Specialized Agencies and Others

• The UN system, also known unofficially as the "UN family", is made up of the UN itself and many affiliated programmes, funds, and specialized agencies, all with their own membership, leadership, and budget. The programmes and funds are financed through voluntary rather than assessed contributions. The Specialized Agencies are independent international organizations funded by both voluntary and assessed contributions.

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Some facts about UN

• Provides food to 90 million people in 80 countries;• Vaccinates 58 per cent of the world’s children, saving 3 million lives a year;• Assists over 38.7 million refugees and people fleeing war, famine or

persecution;• Works with 193 countries to combat climate change and make

development sustainable;• Keeps peace with 120,000 peacekeepers in 16 operations on 4 continents;• Fights poverty, helping improve the health and well-being of 420 million

rural poor;• Protects and promotes human rights on site and through some 80

treaties/declarations;• Mobilizes USD 22 billion in humanitarian aid to help people affected by

emergencies;

Thank you for your attention!