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This is the first piece of Simplified, our flagship series which seeks to give readers a nuanced understanding of businesses, systems, and institutions.
What is the UN?
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. Comprising 193 member states and 2 observer states, it serves as the primary platform for states to engage with one another on global issues.
Why was the UN Created?
In the aftermath of the Second World War (WW2), the Allied powers recognized the urgent need for a platform to foster international cooperation and prevent a repeat of WW2. Representatives from 50 countries convened at the UN Conference on International Organization in San Francisco from April to June 1945. There, they drafted and signed the UN Charter, officially establishing the UN on October 24, 1945. The primary aim was to create an organization dedicated to maintaining global peace and security, promoting social progress, and upholding human rights.
How does the UN operate?
The UN operates through six principal organs, each serving a distinct function. The General Assembly (GA) is where all 193 member states convene to discuss and coordinate on global issues, making recommendations and decisions on a wide array of international matters. The Security Council (SC), is composed of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the U.S.). The SC is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, making binding decisions that member states are encouraged to implement. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) facilitates international cooperation on standards-making and problem-solving in economic and social issues. The International Court of Justice serves as the principal judicial organ, settling legal disputes between states in accordance with international law. The Trusteeship Council was established to oversee the administration of trust territories and has suspended operations since these territories achieved self-governance. Finally, the Secretariat carries out the day-to-day work of the UN as mandated by the GA and other principal organs. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US were granted their status owing to their dominance as the principal victors of WW2. This arrangement, which has allowed them to dictate the post-war international order, acknowledged their wartime contributions, effectively securing their exclusive control over global peace and security decisions through the veto power.
The GA serves as the central forum for states to deliberate, negotiate, and adopt resolutions on a wide range of issues. These resolutions, while not legally binding, reflect the collective will of the international community and can influence international norms and state behavior. The GA operates on an annual basis, opening each year on the third Tuesday of September and continuing for a year. The process typically follows these steps:
Debate: Member states present their views during plenary sessions and committee meetings.
Negotiation: Delegates engage in a debate and draft resolutions.
Decision: Resolutions are put to a vote. Most require a simple majority to pass, but important questions such as those concerning international peace and security, admission of new members, or budgetary matters require a two-thirds majority.
Implementation: Once adopted, resolutions are implemented by the relevant UN bodies or member states.
Reporting: The UN Secretariat monitors and reports on the implementation of resolutions.
Criticisms & Challenges
The UN is not without its flaws. Firstly, veto power often results in deadlocks on certain issues, hindering the UN’s capacity to take decisive action. In recent times, China has used its veto on issues related to North Korea and its territorial disputes, Russia has done the same on topics related to Ukraine, and the US likewise on resolutions relating to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Both France and the UK have not used their veto since 1989. Furthermore, the UN's non-binding resolutions limit their effectiveness, as member states are not legally compelled to adhere to them. This lack of enforceability raises questions about the organization's ability to ensure compliance and achieve its objectives.
Why does it matter?
Setting political biases aside, states chose to limit their power to a certain degree so that the UN can act decisively and provide transparency that benefits populations worldwide. This collaborative approach ensures that global challenges are met with unified efforts, promoting stability and progress for all. While the UN has its flaws, the platform for dialogue and cooperation among states is indispensable. As the international political environment becomes incredibly multi-faceted, the UN's role as a forum for multilateral engagement is more crucial than ever. Multilateralism through the UN enables countries to address challenges collectively, and despite its flaws, it is a vital instrument for promoting global stability and unity.
Reference:
Lederer, E. M. (2025, February 25). US refuses to blame Russia for Ukraine war, splitting with European allies in UN votes. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/un-russia-ukraine-war-resolution-trump-zelenskyy-cde221e5850196776525403e788c272c)
Nichols, M. (2025, February 24). Ahead of UN showdown on Ukraine, US urges countries to vote no on rival European bid for action. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/ahead-un-showdown-ukraine-us-urges-countries-vote-no-rival-european-bid-action-2025-02-24/
Norman, L., & Gordon, M. R. (2025, February 24). U.S. pushes Kyiv to kill its U.N. resolution marking war's anniversary. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/u-s-pushes-kyiv-to-kill-its-u-n-resolution-marking-wars-anniversary-ed6db571)
UN. (n.d.). How decisions are made at the UN. https://www.un.org/en/model-united-nations/how-decisions-are-made-un
UN. (n.d.). UN resolutions and decisions: Editorial manual. https://www.un.org/dgacm/en/content/editorial-manual/res-dec-index
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