The United Nations is the largest organization of countries all over the world. Its member nations agree on common goals and commitments that involve peace and unity, economic and trade cooperation, environmental conservation, and a common resolve in addressing major global conflicts.
Founded in 1945, right after the second world war, the United Nations has earned both praise and criticism from its member nations for various policies and decisive actions that it had taken in the last several decades.
But how well do you know about the UN?
This list will give you 10 very definitive facts about the United Nations.
10. It is a replacement organization
The United Nations is actually a replacement organization that supplanted the ill-fated “League of Nations,” an organization of countries – mostly European – that was formed after World War I. The “League of Nations,” which the United States did not join, was faulted for being very biased and unfair especially in its treatment of losing countries during World War I, most especially Germany. This heavily embittered the German people, resulting to the rise of Nazism.
9. The main purpose of the United Nations is keeping the peace
Destined not to make the same mistake committed by its predecessor, the United Nations’ main concern is to promote peace and maintain a positive and stable peace and order situation for all its member nations. While they are not always successful in this endeavor and results have been greatly mixed, this remains to be the main thing of the organization.
8. The United Nations was only partially successful during the Cold War era
The Cold War era refers to a time frame in world history where a great animosity existed between the world’s two great ideological superpowers – the United States and its democratic principles, and the Soviet Union with its communist/Marxist ideals. Many wars, embargoes, and conflicts were attributed to the Cold War – and some too great that the United Nations proved to be quite futile to address.
7. The United Nations has a “One China policy.”
When Chiang Kai Shek was ousted from Mainland China and moved to Taiwan while the rest of China was occupied by communists under Mao Ze Dong, the United Nations first threw their support on Chiang Kai Shek’s government in Taiwan. When China, the world’s most populous nation, opened up to the world under Deng Xiaoping, its influence was too strong for the UN not to take notice. However, the Mainland insisted on only one China. The result? The United Nations kicked Taiwan out from the organization and admitted communist China into the fold.
6. Spain was not admitted into the organization until 1955
Though Spain was “neutral” during the Second World War, its hidden alliance with the Nazis and veiled support to the war’s principal aggressors led to its non-admission to the organization for the first ten years.
5. The United Nations is made up of six components
The UN is so huge that its goals and vision/mission are divided in its 6 principal components – the General Assembly, the Secretariat, the International Court of Justice, the Economic and Social Council, the Security Council, and the Trusteeship Council.
4. The United Nations recognizes 6 official languages in all its headquarters
The Un is considered multilingual. It recognizes six official languages – English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, and Russian.
3. The highest official of the United Nations is the Secretary General
The UN’s highest officer is called the secretary general. This position has rotated across the member nations through the years. The current secretary general is Ban Ki Moon of South Korea – the second Asian to become UN secretary general.
2. The United Nations currently has 193 member states
The UN currently has 193 member states but only 77 of these are actively involved in various agencies and offices of the organization.
1. The United States and Japan are the primary sources of UN funds
20% of the UN’s funds come from the USA while a tenth comes from Japan. Likewise, Germany, France, United Kingdom, and China are also significant sources of funding.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.