Structure, Functions and Powers of the UN and Its

Main Organs
Main Organs
The main organs of the UN are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social
Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. All
were established in 1945 when the UN was founded.

General Assembly
The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. All 193
Member States of the UN are represented in the General Assembly, making it the only UN body with universal
representation. Each year, in September, the full UN membership meets in the General Assembly Hall in New
York for the annual General Assembly session, and general debate, which many heads of state attend and
address. Decisions on important questions, such as those on peace and security, admission of new members
and budgetary matters, require a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly. Decisions on other questions
are by simple majority. The General Assembly, each year, elects a GA President to serve a one-year term of
office.

Security Council
The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of international
peace and security. It has 15 Members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members). Each Member has
one vote. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. The Security
Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression. It calls upon
the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of
settlement. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of
force to maintain or restore international peace and security. The Security Council has a Presidency, which
rotates, and changes, every month.

• Daily programme of work of the Security Council

• Subsidiary organs of the Security Council

Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and
recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as implementation of internationally
agreed development goals. It serves as the central mechanism for activities of the UN system and its
specialized agencies in the economic, social and environmental fields, supervising subsidiary and expert
bodies. It has 54 Members, elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. It is the
United Nations’ central platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable development.

Trusteeship Council
The Trusteeship Council was established in 1945 by the UN Charter, under Chapter XIII, to provide
international supervision for 11 Trust Territories that had been placed under the administration of seven
Member States, and ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government

1
Structure, Functions and Powers of the UN and Its
Main Organs
and independence. By 1994, all Trust Territories had attained self-government or independence. The
Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November 1994. By a resolution adopted on 25 May 1994,
the Council amended its rules of procedure to drop the obligation to meet annually and agreed to meet as
occasion required -- by its decision or the decision of its President, or at the request of a majority of its
members or the General Assembly or the Security Council.

International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Its seat is at the Peace
Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). It is the only one of the six principal organs of the United Nations not
located in New York (United States of America). The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international
law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by
authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.

Secretariat
The Secretariat comprises the Secretary-General and tens of thousands of international UN staff members
who carry out the day-to-day work of the UN as mandated by the General Assembly and the Organization's
other principal organs. The Secretary-General is chief administrative officer of the Organization, appointed
by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year, renewable term. UN
staff members are recruited internationally and locally, and work in duty stations and on peacekeeping
missions all around the world. But serving the cause of peace in a violent world is a dangerous occupation.
Since the founding of the United Nations, hundreds of brave men and women have given their lives in its
service.

Forum for multilateral negotiation

Established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly occupies a central
position as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising
all 192 Members of the United Nations, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full
spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter.

It also plays a significant role in the process of standard-setting and the codification of international law.
The Assembly meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as
required.

2
Structure, Functions and Powers of the UN and Its
Main Organs
Functions and Powers of the General Assembly
According to the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly may:

• Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for maintaining
international peace and security, including disarmament;
• Discuss any question relating to international peace and security and, except where a dispute or
situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council, make recommendations on it;
• Discuss, with the same exception, and make recommendations on any questions within the scope
of the Charter or affecting the powers and functions of any organ of the United Nations;
• Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political cooperation, the
development and codification of international law, the realization of human rights and
fundamental freedoms, and international collaboration in the economic, social, humanitarian,
cultural, educational and health fields;
• Make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation that might impair friendly
relations among nations;
• Receive and consider reports from the Security Council and other United Nations organs;
• Consider and approve the United Nations budget and establish the financial assessments of
Member States;
• Elect the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of other United
Nations councils and organs and, on the recommendation of the Security Council, appoint the
Secretary-General.

Pursuant to its “Uniting for Peace” resolution of November 1950 (resolution 377 (V)), the Assembly may also
take action if the Security Council fails to act, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member, in a case
where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression. The Assembly can
consider the matter immediately with a view to making recommendations to Members for collective measures
to maintain or restore international peace and security.

While the Assembly is empowered to make only non-binding recommendations to States on international
issues within its competence, it has, nonetheless, initiated actions—political, economic, humanitarian, social
and legal—which have affected the lives of millions of people throughout the world.

The landmark Millennium Declaration, adopted in 2000, and the 2005 World Summit Outcome
Document reflect the commitment of Member States to reach specific goals to attain peace, security and
disarmament along with development and poverty eradication; safeguard human rights and promote the rule
of law; protect our common environment; meet the special needs of Africa; and strengthen the United
Nations.

The search for consensus

Each Member State in the Assembly has one vote. Votes taken on designated important issues, such as
recommendations on peace and security and the election of Security Council members, require a two-thirds
majority of Member States, but other questions are decided by simple majority.

3
Structure, Functions and Powers of the UN and Its
Main Organs
Functions and Powers of the Security Council
Under the United Nations Charter, the functions and powers of the Security Council are:

• to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the
United Nations;
• to investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction;
• to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement;
• to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments;
• to determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what
action should be taken;
• to call on Members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to
prevent or stop aggression;
• to take military action against an aggressor;
• to recommend the admission of new Members;
• to exercise the trusteeship functions of the United Nations in "strategic areas";
• to recommend to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-General and, together with
the Assembly, to elect the Judges of the International Court of Justice.

4



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United Nations
drishtiias.com/printpdf/united-nations-1

Introduction
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently
made up of 193 Member States.

Its mission and work guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding
Charter and implemented by its various organs and specialised agencies.

Its activities include maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights,
delivering humanitarian aid, promoting sustainable development and upholding
international law.

History of UN Foundation
In 1899, the International Peace Conference was held in The Hague to elaborate
instruments for settling crises peacefully, preventing wars and codifying rules of
warfare.
It adopted the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International
Disputes and established the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which began
work in 1902. This court was the forerunner of UN International Court of Justice.
The forerunner of the United Nations was the League of Nations, an organization
conceived in circumstances of the First World War, and established in 1919 under the
Treaty of Versailles "to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and
security."
The International Labour Organization (ILO) was also created in 1919 under
the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League.
The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D.
Roosevelt. A document called The Declaration by United Nations was signed in
1942 by 26 nations, pledging their Governments to continue fighting together against
the Axis Powers (Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis) and bound them against making a separate

1/28
 peace.
United Nations Conference on International Organization (1945)
Conference held in San Francisco (USA), was attended by representatives of 50
countries and signed the United Nations Charter.
The UN Charter of 1945 is the foundational treaty of the United Nations, as an
inter-governmental organization.

Components
The main organs of the UN are

1. the General Assembly,

2. the Security Council,
3. the Economic and Social Council,
4. the Trusteeship Council,
5. the International Court of Justice,
6. and the UN Secretariat.

All the 6 were established in 1945 when the UN was founded.

1. General Assembly
The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative
organ of the UN.
All 193 Member States of the UN are represented in the General Assembly, making it
the only UN body with universal representation.
Each year, in September, the full UN membership meets in the General Assembly Hall
in New York for the annual General Assembly session, and general debate, which
many heads of state attend and address.
Decisions on important questions, such as those on peace and security, admission of
new members and budgetary matters, require a two-thirds majority of the General
Assembly.
Decisions on other questions are by simple majority.
The President of the General Assembly is elected each year by assembly to serve a
one-year term of office.
6 Main Committees: Draft resolutions can be prepared for the General Assembly by
its six main committees: (1) First Committee (Disarmament and International Security),
(2) Second Committee (Economic and Financial), (3) Third Committee (Social,
Humanitarian, and Cultural), (4) Fourth Committee (Special Political and
Decolonization), (5) Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), (6)Sixth
Committee (Legal).
Each Member State may be represented by one person on each Main
2/28
 Committee and on any other committee that may be established upon which
all Member States have the right to be represented.
Member States may also assign advisers, technical advisers, experts or
persons of similar status to these committees.
Other Committees:
General Committee: It meets periodically throughout each session to review
the progress of the General Assembly and its committees and to make
recommendations for furthering such progress. It is composed of the President
of the General Assembly and 21 Vice-Presidents of the Assembly and the
Chairmen of the six Main Committees. The five permanent members of the
Security Council serve as Vice-Presidents, as well.
Credentials Committee: It is mandated to examine the credentials of
representatives of Member States and to report to the General Assembly.

2. Security Council
It has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of
international peace and security.
The Security Council is made up of fifteen member states, consisting of five
permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United
States—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General
Assembly on a regional basis.
"Veto power" refers to the power of the permanent member to veto (Reject) any
resolution of Security Council.
The unconditional veto possessed by the five governments has been seen as the most
undemocratic character of the UN.
Critics also claim that veto power is the main cause for international inaction on war
crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the United States refused to join the
United Nations in 1945 unless it was given a veto. The absence of the United States
from the League of Nations contributed to its ineffectiveness. Supporters of the veto
power regard it as a promoter of international stability, a check against military
interventions, and a critical safeguard against U.S. domination.

3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

It is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and
recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as
implementation of internationally agreed development goals.
It has 54 Members, elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms.
It is the United Nations’ central platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking
on sustainable development.
Each year, ECOSOC structures its work around an annual theme of global importance
3/28
 to sustainable development. This ensures focused attention, among ECOSOC’s
array of partners, and throughout the UN development system.
It coordinates the work of the 14 UN specialized agencies, ten functional commissions
and five regional commissions, receives reports from nine UN funds and programmes
and issues policy recommendations to the UN system and to Member States.

UN bodies within the purview of the ECOSOC:

Specialized agencies Ad hoc bodies

International labour Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on
Organization (ILO) Informatics
Food and Expert bodies composed of governmental experts
Agriculture Committee of Experts on the Transport of
Organization of the Dangerous Goods and on the Globally
United Nations Harmonized System of Classification and
(FAO) Labelling of Chemicals.
United Nations United Nations Group of Experts on
Educational, Geographical Names
Scientific and Expert bodies composed of members serving in
Cultural their personal capacity
Organization Committee for Development Policy
(UNESCO) Meeting of Experts on the United Nations
World Health Programme in Public Administration and
Organization (WHO) Finance
World Bank Group Ad Hoc Group of Experts on International
International Cooperation in Tax Matters
Monetary Fund Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural
(IMF) Rights
International Civil Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for
Aviation Development
Organization (ICAO) Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
International Related bodies
Maritime International Narcotics Control Board
Organization (IMO) Board of Trustees of the International Research
International and Training Institute for the Advancement of
Telecommunication Women
Union (ITU) Committee for the United Nations Population
Universal Postal Award
Union (UPU) Programme Coordination Board of the Joint
World United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
Meteorological Funds and programmes which send reports to
Organization (WMO) ECOSOC
World Intellectual United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Property United Nations Conference on Trade and
Organization (WIPO) Development (UNCTAD)
International Fund United Nations Development Fund for Women
for Agricultural United Nations Development Programme
4/28
 Development (IFAD) (UNDP)
United Nations United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Industrial Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
Development for Refugees (UNHCR)
Organization United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
(UNIDO) United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
World Tourism Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Organization (WTO) Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention
Functional commissions (ODCCP)
Statistical World Food Programme (WFP)
Commission UN-HABITAT
Commission on
Population and
Development
Commission for
Social Development
Commission on
Human Rights
Commission on the
Status of Women
Commission on
Narcotic Drugs
Commission on
Crime Prevention
and Criminal Justice
Commission on
Science and
Technology for
Development
Commission on
Sustainable
Development
United Nations
Forum on Forests
Regional Commissions
Economic
Commission for
Africa (ECA)
Economic and Social
Commission for
Asia and the Pacific
(ESCAP)
Economic
Commission for
Europe (ECE)
Economic
Commission for
Latin America and
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 the Caribbean
(ECLAC)
Economic and Social
Commission for
Western Asia
(ESCWA)
Standing Committees
Committee for
Programme and
Coordination
Commission on
Human Settlements
Committee on Non-
Governmental
Organizations
Committee on
Negotiations with
Intergovernmental
Agencies
Committee on
Energy and Natural
Resources

4. Trusteeship Council
It was established in 1945 by the UN Charter, under Chapter XIII.
Trust territory is a non-self-governing territory placed under an administrative
authority by the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations.
A League of Nations mandate was a legal status for certain territories transferred
from the control of one country to another following World War I, or the legal
instruments that contained the internationally agreed-upon terms for administering
the territory on behalf of the League of Nations.
United Nations trust territories were the successors of the remaining League of
Nations mandates, and came into being when the League of Nations ceased to exist in
1946.
It had to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories that had been
placed under the administration of seven Member States, and ensure that adequate
steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government and independence.
By 1994, all Trust Territories had attained self-government or independence. The
Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November 1994.

5. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
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 It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began
work in April 1946.
The ICJ is the successor of the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ),
which was established by the League of Nations in 1920.

6. Secretariat
The Secretariat comprises the Secretary-General and tens of thousands of
international UN staff members who carry out the day-to-day work of the UN as
mandated by the General Assembly and the Organization's other principal organs.
The Secretary-General is chief administrative officer of the Organization, appointed
by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-
year, renewable term.
UN staff members are recruited internationally and locally, and work in duty stations
and on peacekeeping missions all around the world.

Funds, Programmes, Specialized Agencies and Others

The UN system, also known unofficially as the "UN family", is made up of the UN itself (6
main organs) and many affiliated programmes, funds, and specialized agencies, all with
their own membership, leadership, and budget.

Funds and Programmes

UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), originally known as the United
Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, was created by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to
children and mothers in countries that had been devastated by World War II.
In 1950, UNICEF's mandate was extended to address the long-term needs of
children and women in developing countries everywhere.
In 1953, it became a permanent part of the United Nations System, and the
words "international" and "emergency" were dropped from the organization's
name, though it retained the original acronym, "UNICEF".
Executive Board: A 36-member board establishes policies, approves programs
and oversees administrative and financial plans. The members are government
representatives who are elected by the United Nations Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC), usually for three-year terms.
UNICEF relies on contributions from governments and private donors.
UNICEF's Supply Division is based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and serves as the
primary point of distribution for such essential items as vaccines, antiretroviral
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 medicines for children and mothers with HIV, nutritional supplements,
emergency shelters, family reunification, and educational supplies.
UNFPA
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), formerly the United Nations
Fund for Population Activities, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive
health agency.
Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, ‘every
childbirth is safe’ and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
In 2018, UNFPA launched efforts to achieve three transformative results,
ambitions that promise to change the world for every man, woman and young
person:
Ending unmet need for family planning
Ending preventable maternal death
Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices
UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global
development network.
UNDP was established in 1965 by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
It provides expert advice, training and grants support to developing countries,
with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries.
The UNDP Executive Board is made up of representatives from 36 countries
around the world who serve on a rotating basis.
It is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from member nations.
UNDP is central to the United Nations Sustainable Development Group
(UNSDG), a network that spans 165 countries and unites the 40 UN funds,
programmes, specialized agencies and other bodies working to advance the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is a global
environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes
the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable
development within the United Nations system.
It was founded by UN General Assembly as a result of the United Nations
Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference) in June 1972.
UNEP and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) established
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 to assess climate
change based on the latest science.
Since its founding, the UNEP has played a key role for the development of
multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). The secretariats for the following
nine MEAs are currently hosted by UNEP:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

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 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES)
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(CMS)
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
Minamata Convention on Mercury
Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of
Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
UN-Habitat
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United
Nations programme working towards a better urban future.
Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human
settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all.
It was established in 1978 as an outcome of the First UN Conference on Human
Settlements and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat I) in Vancouver,
Canada, in 1976.
2nd United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in
Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996, set the twin goals of the Habitat Agenda:
Adequate shelter for all
Development of sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world.
3rd United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban
Development (Habitat III) was held in 2016 in Quito, Ecuador. It elaborated on
Goal-11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): "Make cities and
human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
WFP
World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving
lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working
with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.
The WFP was established in 1963 by the FAO (The Food and Agriculture
Organization) and the United Nations General Assembly.

UN Specialized Agencies
The UN specialized agencies are autonomous organizations working with the United
Nations. All were brought into relationship with the UN through negotiated agreements.

Some existed even before the First World War. Some were associated with the League
of Nations. Others were created almost simultaneously with the UN. Others were created
by the UN to meet emerging needs.
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Articles 57 and 63 of UN Charter provides provision of creating specialised agencies.

FAO
In 1945, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was created In Quebec City,
Canada, by the first session of the newly created United Nations.
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts
to defeat hunger.
FAO is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing
countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries
practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all.
ICAO
Under Chicago Convention, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
was established in 1944, as a UN specialized agency. It manages the
administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation
(Chicago Convention).
It provides the principles and techniques of international air navigation and
fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure
safe and orderly growth.
IFAD
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was established as
an international financial institution in 1977 through United Nations General
Assembly Resolution as one of the major outcomes of the 1974–World Food
Conference.
This conference was organized by the United Nations in response to the food
crises of the early 1970s, when global food shortages were causing widespread
famine and malnutrition, primarily in the Sahelian countries of Africa. It was
realized that food insecurity and famine were not so much failures in food
production but structural problems relating to poverty.
ILO
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency whose
mandate is to advance social justice and promote decent work by setting
international labour standards.
It sets international labour standards, promotes rights at work and encourages
decent employment opportunities, the enhancement of social protection and
the strengthening of dialogue on work-related issues.
As an agency of the League of Nations, it was created in 1919, as part of the
Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I.
9 International Labour Conventions and 10 Recommendations which dealt
with hours of work in industry, unemployment, maternity protection, night work
for women, minimum age, and night work for young persons in industry were
adopted in less than two years (by 1922).
By signing of the United Nation agreement whereby the ILO became the first
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 United Nations specialized agency in 1946.
The Organization won the Nobel Peace Prize on its 50th anniversary in 1969 for
pursuing decent work and justice for workers.
In 1980, the ILO played a major role in the emancipation of Poland from
dictatorship by giving its full support to the legitimacy of the Solidarnosc Union,
based on respect for Convention No. 87 on freedom of association, which
Poland had ratified in 1957.
It emphasised that the future of work is not predetermined: Decent work for all
is possible but societies have to make it happen. It is precisely with this
imperative that the ILO established its Global Commission on the Future of
Work as part of its initiative to mark its centenary in 2019.
Its job is to undertake an in-depth examination of the future of work that
can provide the analytical basis for the delivery of social justice in the 21st
century.
IMF
UN Monetary and Financial Conference (1944, also called Bretton Woods
Conference), Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States was held to
regulate the international monetary and financial order after the conclusion of
World War II.
It resulted in foundation of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1945.
World Bank
UN Monetary and Financial Conference (1944, also called Bretton Woods
Conference), was held to regulate the international monetary and financial
order after the conclusion of World War II. It resulted in foundation of IBRD in
1945. IBRD is the founding institution of World Bank
IMO
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) – is the United Nations
specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and
the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.
ITU
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the
United Nations (UN) that is responsible for issues that concern information and
communication technologies (ICT). It is the oldest among all the specialised
agencies of UN.
It was founded in 1865 and based in Geneva, Switzerland. It works on the
principle of international cooperation between governments (Member States)
and the private sector (Sector Members, Associates and Academia).
ITU is the premier global forum through which parties work towards consensus
on a wide range of issues affecting the future direction of the ICT industry.
It allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical
standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and

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 strive to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide.
UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was
founded in 1945 to develop the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind” as
a means of building lasting peace. It is located in Paris (France).
In this spirit, UNESCO develops educational tools to help people live as global
citizens free of hate and intolerance.
By promoting cultural heritage and the equal dignity of all cultures, UNESCO
strengthens bonds among nations.
UNIDO
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes
industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalisation and
environmental sustainability.
WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations’ specialized agency
for health.
It was established in 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
It is an inter-governmental organization and works in collaboration with its
Member States usually through the Ministries of Health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for
providing leadership on global health matters,
shaping the health research agenda,
setting norms and standards,
providing evidence-based policy options,
providing technical support to countries,
and monitoring and assessing health trends.
UNCTAD
UNCTAD supports developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized
economy more fairly and effectively. It helps to use trade, investment, finance,
and technology as vehicles for inclusive and sustainable development.
UNODC
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight
against illicit drugs and international crime.
It was established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug
Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.
UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit
drugs, crime and terrorism.
UNHCR
The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was
created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions
of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes.

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 In 1954, UNHCR won the Nobel Peace Prize for its groundbreaking work in
Europe.
The start of the 21st century has seen UNHCR help with major refugee crises in
Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
It also uses its expertise to help many internally displaced by conflict and
expanded its role in helping stateless people.
ESCAP
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
is the main economic and social development centre of the UN in the region,
headquartered in Bangkok (Thailand) in 1947.
It responds to the development needs and priorities of the region through its
convening authority, economic and social analysis, normative standard-setting
and technical assistance.

UN Contribution to World

Peace and Security

Maintaining Peace and Security: By sending peacekeeping and observer missions to
the world’s trouble spots over the past six decades, the United Nations has been able
to restore calm, allowing many countries to recover from conflict.
Preventing Nuclear Proliferation: For over the five decades, the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has served as the world’s nuclear inspector. IAEA experts
work to verify that safeguarded nuclear material is used only for peaceful purposes. To
date, the Agency has safeguards agreements with more than 180 States.
Supporting Disarmament: UN treaties are the legal backbone of disarmament
efforts:
the Chemical Weapons Convention-1997 has been ratified by 190 States,
the Mine-Ban Convention-1997 by 162,
and the Arms Trade Treaty-2014 by 69.
At the local level, UN peacekeepers often work to implement disarmament
agreements between warring parties.
Preventing genocide: The United Nations brought about the first-ever treaty to
combat genocide—acts committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnical,
racial or religious group.
The 1948 Genocide Convention has been ratified by 146 States, which commits
to prevent and punish actions of genocide in war and in peacetime. The UN
tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda, as well as UN-supported courts in
Cambodia, have put would-be genocide perpetrators on notice that such crimes
would no longer be tolerated.

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Economic Development
Promoting Development: Since 2000, promoting living standards and human skills
and potential throughout the world have been guided by the Millennium
Development Goals.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) supports more than 4,800 projects to
reduce poverty, promote good governance, address crises and preserve the
environment.
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 150 countries, primarily
on child protection, immunization, girls' education and emergency aid.
The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) helps developing
countries make the most of their trade opportunities.
The World Bank provides developing countries with loans and grants, and has
supported more than 12,000 projects in more than 170 countries since 1947.
Alleviating Rural Poverty: The International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD) provides low-interest loans and grants to very poor rural people.
Focusing on African Development: Africa continues to be a high priority for the
United Nations. The continent receives 36 per cent of UN system expenditures for
development, the largest share among the world’s regions. All UN agencies have
special programmes to benefit Africa.
Promoting Women's Well-being: UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to
gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Fighting Hunger: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) leads global
efforts to defeat hunger. FAO also helps developing countries to modernize and
improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices in ways that conserve natural
resources and improve nutrition.
Commitment in Support of Children: UNICEF has pioneered to provide vaccines
and other aid desperately needed by children caught in armed conflict. The
Convention on the Rights of the Child-1989 has become law in nearly all countries.
Tourism: The World Tourism Organization is the UN agency responsible for the
promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
Its Global Code of Ethics for Tourism seeks to maximize the benefits of tourism
while minimizing its negative impact.
Global Think Tank: The United Nations is at the forefront of research that seeks
solutions to global problems.
The UN Population Division is a leading source of information and research on
global population trends, producing up-to-date demographic estimates and
projections.
The UN Statistics Division is the hub of the global statistical system, compiling
and disseminating global economic, demographic, social, gender, environment
and energy statistics.
The United Nations Development Programme’s annual Human
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 Development Report provides independent, empirically grounded analyses of
major development issues, trends and policies, including the groundbreaking
Human Development Index.
The United Nations World Economic and Social Survey, the Word Bank’s
World Development Report, the International Monetary Fund's World
Economic Outlook and other studies help policymakers to make informed
decisions.

Social Development
Preserving Historic, Cultural, Architectural and Natural Sites: The UNESCO has
helped 137 countries to protect ancient monuments and historic, cultural and natural
sites.
It has negotiated international conventions to preserve cultural property,
cultural diversity and outstanding cultural and natural sites. More than 1,000
such sites have been designated as having exceptional universal value - as
World Heritage Sites.
Taking the lead on global issues:
The first United Nations conference on the environment (Stockholm, 1972)
helped to alert world public opinion on the dangers faced by our planet,
triggering action by governments.
The first world conference on women (Mexico City, 1985) put women's right,
equality and progress on the global agenda.
Other landmark events include the first international conference on human
rights (Teheran, 1968), the first world population conference (Bucharest, 1974)
and the first world climate conference (Geneva, 1979).
Those events brought together experts and policymakers, as well as
activists, from around the world, prompting sustained global action.
Regular follow-up conferences have helped to sustain the momentum.

Human Rights
UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
It has helped to enact dozens of legally binding agreements on political, civil,
economic, social and cultural rights.
UN human rights bodies have focused world attention on cases of torture,
disappearance, arbitrary detention and other violations.
Fostering Democracy: The UN promotes and strengthens democratic institutions and
practices around the world, including by helping people in many countries to
participate in free and fair elections.
In the 1990s, the UN organized or observed landmark elections in Cambodia, El
Salvador, South Africa, Mozambique and Timor-Leste.
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 More recently, the UN has provided crucial assistance in elections in
Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Nepal, Sierra
Leone and Sudan.
Ending Apartheid in South Africa: By imposing measures ranging from an arms
embargo to a convention against segregated sporting events, the United Nations was
a major factor in bringing about the downfall of the apartheid system.
In 1994, elections in which all South Africans were allowed to participate on an
equal basis led to the establishment of a multiracial Government.
Promoting Women's Rights: The 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women, ratified by 189 countries, has helped to promote
the rights of women worldwide.

Environment
Climate change is a global problem that demands a global solution. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which brings together 2,000
leading climate change scientists, issues comprehensive scientific assessments every
five or six years.
IPCC was established in 1988 under the auspices of the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization
for the purpose of assessing “the scientific, technical and socioeconomic
information relevant for the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate
change.
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides foundation
for UN members to negotiate agreements to reduce emissions that contribute to
climate change and help countries adapt to its effects. (UNFCCC-1992 is an
international environmental treaty adopted and opened for signature at the
Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1992.)
Global Environment Facility, which brings together 10 UN agencies, funds
projects in developing countries.
Protecting the Ozone Layer: The UNEP and the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) have been instrumental in highlighting the damage caused to Earth's ozone
layer.
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer-1985 provided the
framework necessary to create regulatory measures for international reductions
in the production of chlorofluorocarbons. Convention provided foundation for
Montreal protocol.
The Montreal Protocol-1987 is an international environmental agreement with
universal ratification to protect the earth’s ozone layer by eliminating use of
ozone depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
halons.
Kigali amendment (to the Montreal Protocol)-2016: was adopted to
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 phase down production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
worldwide.
Banning Toxic Chemicals: The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants-2001 seeks to rid the world of some of the most dangerous chemicals ever
created.

International Law
Prosecuting War Criminals: By prosecuting and convicting war criminals, the UN
tribunals established for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda have helped to
expand international humanitarian and international criminal law dealing with
genocide and other violations of international law.
The International Criminal Court is an independent permanent court that
investigates and prosecutes persons accused of the most serious international
crimes—genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes—if national
authorities are unwilling or unable to do so.
Helping to Resolve Major International Disputes: By delivering judgments and
advisory opinions, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has helped to settle
international disputes involving territorial questions, maritime boundaries, diplomatic
relations, State responsibility, the treatment of aliens and the use of force, among
others.
Stability and Order in the World's Oceans:
The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which has gained nearly
universal acceptance, provides the legal framework for all activities in the
oceans and seas.
It also includes mechanisms for settling disputes.
Combating International Crime: The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
works with countries and organizations to counter transnational organized crime by
providing legal and technical assistance to fight corruption, money-laundering, drug
trafficking and smuggling of migrants, as well as by strengthening criminal justice
systems.
It has played a key role in brokering and implementing relevant international
Treaties, such as the UN Convention against Corruption-2005 and the UN
Convention against Transnational Organized Crime-2003.
It works to reduce the supply of and demand for illicit drugs under the three
main UN conventions on drug control :
the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 (amended 1972),
the Convention on Psychotropic Substances-1971,
and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances-1988
Encouraging Creativity and Innovation: The World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) promotes the protection of intellectual property rights and
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 ensures that all countries are in a position to harness the benefits of an effective
intellectual property system.

Humanitarian Affairs
Assisting refugees: Refugees fleeing persecution, violence and war have received
aid from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
UNHCR seeks long-term or "durable" solutions by helping refugees repatriate
to their homelands, if conditions warrant, or by helping them to integrate in
their countries of asylum or to resettle in third countries.
Refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons, mostly women and
children, are receiving food, shelter, medical aid, education, and repatriation
assistance from the UN.
Aiding Palestinian Refugees: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in
the Near East (UNRWA), a relief and human development agency, has assisted four
generations of Palestinian refugees with education, health care, social services,
microfinance and emergency aid.
Reducing the Effects of Natural Disasters: The World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) has helped to spare millions of people from the calamitous effects of natural
and man-made disasters.
Its early warning system, which includes thousands of surface monitors, as well
as satellites,
has made it possible to predict with greater accuracy weather-related
disasters,
has provided information on the dispersal of oil spills and chemical and
nuclear leaks and has predicted long-term droughts.
Providing Food to the Neediest: The World Food Programme (WFP) is fighting
hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with
communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

Health
Promoting Reproductive and Maternal Health: United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA) is promoting the right of individuals to make their own decisions on the
number and spacing of their children through voluntary family planning
programmes.
Responding to HIV/AIDS: United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
coordinates global action against an epidemic that affects some 35 million people.
Wiping Out Polio: Poliomyelitis has been eliminated from all but three countries—
Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan—as a result of the Global Polio Eradication
Initiative.
Eradicating Smallpox: A 13-year effort by the World Health Organization (WHO)
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 resulted in smallpox being declared officially eradicated from the planet in 1980.
Fighting Tropical Diseases:
WHO programme - African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control reduced
levels of river blindness (onchocerciasis) in 10 West African countries while
opening up 25 million hectares of fertile land to farming.
Guinea-worm disease is on the verge of being eradicated.
Schistosomiasis and sleeping sickness are now under control.
Halting the Spread of Epidemics
Some of the more prominent diseases for which WHO is leading the global
response for some of the more prominent diseases including Ebola, meningitis,
yellow fever, cholera and influenza, including avian influenza.

UN & India

UN Contribution to India
United Nations agencies, offices, programmes and funds working in India comprise
one of the largest UN field networks anywhere in the world.
The Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT):
APCTT founded in 1977 at New Delhi, is a Regional Institute of United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) with a
geographic focus of the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Centre has focused on three specific areas of activity: technology information;
technology transfer; and innovation management.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
When FAO began its India operations in 1948, its priority was to transform
India’s food and farm sectors through technical inputs and support for policy
development.
Over the years, FAO’s contribution has extended to issues such as access to
food, nutrition, livelihoods, rural development and sustainable agriculture.
With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), much of FAO’s focus in India
will be on sustainable agricultural practices.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD):
IFAD and the Government of India have achieved significant results investing in
the commercialization of smallholding-agriculture and building small
farmers’ capacity to increase incomes from market opportunities.
IFAD-supported projects have also provided women with access to financial
services, such as by linking women’s self-help groups with commercial banks.
International Labour Organization (ILO):
The first ILO Office in India started in 1928. There are 43 ILO conventions and 1
protocol ratified by India.
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International Organization for Migration (IOM)
IOM assisted Indian citizens who were among the thousands of people displaced by
the Persian Gulf War (1990s).
In 2001, IOM’s prompt and effective assistance during the Gujarat earthquake
planted the seed of IOM operations in India as a humanitarian agency.
In 2007, recognizing India as a major labour-sending and labour-receiving country and
its importance as a remittance-receiving country, IOM began working with migrants on
safe and legal migration, warning them of the risks associated with irregular
migration.
UNESCO - Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable
Development (MGIEP):
MGIEP is an integral part of UNESCO, established with generous support from
the Government of India in 2012 in New Delhi.
The Institute’s global mandate is to transform education policies and
practices by developing innovative teaching and learning methods.
It works for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7 – “education for building
peaceful and sustainable societies across the world”.
A project 'Rethinking Schooling' was launched by UNESCO-MGIEP with the
UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education in 2016-17.
The first review of SDGs (4.7) by MGIEP, was released in Rethinking
Schooling for the 21st century.
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-
Women):
In India, UN-Women’s five priority areas are:
ending violence against women and girls,
expanding women’s leadership and participation,
making gender equality central to national development planning and
budgeting,
enhancing women’s economic empowerment,
and engaging women as global peace-builders and negotiators.
UN Women advocates for greater participation of women in politics and
decision-making, and works with planning bodies such as NITI Aayog to
ensure that policies and budgets reflect the needs of women.
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS): Its mission is to help prevent
new HIV infections, care for people living with HIV and mitigate the impact of the
epidemic.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
In the 1950s and 1960s, UNDP helped establish institutions of major national
importance, including space centres and nuclear research laboratories.
Over the last decade, UNDP has focused on building the resilience of people
faced with the risks of natural disasters and climate change, and of
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 minorities to various forms of discrimination.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP):
In December 2011, a new South and South-West Asia office of ESCAP was
inaugurated in New Delhi to serve 10 countries in the sub-region.
As it moves up the development ladder, India has been sharing its
experience and capabilities with fellow developing countries in the region
and beyond, using ESCAP’s platform for this purpose.
UNESCO
In India, UNESCO has provided technical support to several premier educational
institutions.
As part of its World Heritage programme, it has recognized 27 cultural heritage
sites in India, such as the Taj Mahal and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka in
Madhya Pradesh.
UNESCO has also played a pioneering role in the development of community
radio in India, having helped to formulate the Community Radio Policy of 2002.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Currently, UNFPA is placing greater emphasis on policy development and
advocacy reflecting India’s middle-income status.
It raises awareness about demographic shifts towards older populations
and about the need to harness the opportunities and address the challenges of
population ageing.
United Nations Commission on Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
UN-Habitat promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and
cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.
UN-Habitat’s initiatives in India include supporting government projects on
sanitation coverage in urban areas, urban water supply and environmental
improvement, and supporting organizations that empower women’s group and
youth groups to fight social exclusion.
UN-Habitat "World Cities Report 2016"
As per Census 2011, 377 million Indians comprising 31.1% of the total
population lived in urban areas.
This is estimated to have risen to 420 million in 2015.
UN-Habitat-New Urban agenda (NUA)-2017 addresses Goal-11 of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): "Make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
India launched the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
(Amrut), Smart Cities, Hriday (National Heritage City Development and
Augmentation Yojana), and Swachh Bharat prominently allied to the goals of
the UN-Habitat-NUA.
United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
In 1954, UNICEF signed an agreement with the Government of India to fund the

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 Aarey and Anand milk processing plants. In return, free and subsidised milk
would be provided to needy children in the area.
Within a decade, India had thirteen UNICEF assisted milk processing
plants.
Today, India has become the world’s largest producer of milk.
Polio Campaign-2012: The Government, in partnership with UNICEF, the World
Health Organization (WHO), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary
International and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contributed
to almost universal awareness of the need to vaccinate all children under
five against polio.
As a result of these efforts, India was removed from the list of endemic
countries in 2014.
It is also supporting nationwide campaigns on maternal and child nutrition
and the reduction of neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates to single digits by
2030.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO):
The programme, Integrated Approach Programme on Sustainable Cities-
2017 funded by the Global Environment Facility and co-implemented by the
World Bank and UNIDO.
World Food Programme (WFP)
WFP is working to improve the efficiency, accountability and transparency of
India’s own subsidized food distribution system, which brings supplies of
wheat, rice, sugar and kerosene oil to around 800 million poor people across the
country.
World Health Organization (WHO)
India became a party to the WHO Constitution on 12 January 1948.
The WHO Country Office for India is headquartered in Delhi with country-
wide presence.
It has also been instrumental in the country’s transition from hospital-based to
community-based care and the resultant increase in health posts and centres
focusing on primary care.
The WHO Country Cooperation Strategy – India (2012-2017) has been jointly
developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) and the
WHO Country Office for India (WCO).
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
India has a long tradition of receiving refugees that goes back centuries.
UNHCR’s support to India dates back to 1969-1975 when it coordinated aid to
Tibetan refugees as well as refugees from then East Pakistan.
UNHCR's urban operation is based in New Delhi with a smaller presence in
Chennai that helps Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu voluntarily repatriate back
to Sri Lanka.

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 In the absence of a national legal framework for refugees, UNHCR conducts
refugee status determination under its mandate for asylum seekers who
approach the Office.
The two largest groups of refugees recognized by UNHCR are Afghans and
Myanmar nationals, but people from countries as diverse as Somalia and Iraq
have also sought help from the Office.
United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP)
Under the scheme of partition provided by the Indian Independence Act of
1947, Kashmir was free to accede to India or Pakistan. Its accession to India
became a matter of dispute between the two countries and fighting broke out
later that year.
In January 1948, the Security Council adopted resolution 39, establishing the
United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to investigate and
mediate the dispute.
The first team of unarmed military observers, which eventually formed the
nucleus of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
(UNMOGIP), arrived in the mission area in January 1949 to supervise, in the
State of Jammu and Kashmir, the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and to
assist the Military Adviser to UNCIP.
At the end of 1971, hostilities broke out again between India and Pakistan.
UNMOGIP started along the borders of East Pakistan and were related to the
movement for independence, which had developed in that region and which
ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh.
The last report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on UNMOGIP
was published in 1972.
Since 1972, India has adopted a non-recognition policy towards third parties
in their bilateral exchanges with Pakistan over the question regarding the state
of Jammu and Kashmir.
The military authorities of Pakistan have continued to lodge alleged
ceasefire violations complaints with UNMOGIP.
The military authorities of India have lodged no complaints since January
1972 limiting the activities of the UN observers on the Indian-administered
side of the Line of Control, though they continue to provide necessary
security, transport and other services to UNMOGIP.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
UNODC has worked in India over the last 25 years to address drug trafficking in
the context of a constantly evolving drug market, involving an increasing number
of drugs and psychoactive substances.
It also works with the government to address human trafficking, and the
prevention, treatment and care of persons who use drugs and live with HIV.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

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 Invest India, the country’s investment promotion body, has won United
Nations (UN) Award for excellence in promoting investments in
sustainable development-2018.
The awards are given annually by UNCTAD since 2002 as part of its
investment promotion and facilitation.
India’s consistently strong voice for the developing world has made it a major
player with UNCTAD, spanning a multiplicity of economic reforms.

India’s contribution to UN
India was one of the original members of the League of Nations. As a signatory of the
Treaty of Versailles-1919, India was granted automatic entry to the League of
Nations.
India was represented by her Secretary of State, Edwin Samuel Montagu; the
Maharaja of Bikaner Sir Ganga Singh; Satyendra Prasanno Sinha, Parliamentary
Under-Secretary of State for India.
India was among the original members of the United Nations that signed the
Declaration by United Nations at Washington, D.C. in 1944. This declaration became
the basis of the United Nations (UN), which was formalized in the United Nations
Charter signed by 50 countries in 1945.
By 1946, India had started raising concerns regarding colonialism, apartheid and
racial discrimination.
India was among the most outspoken critics of apartheid and racial discrimination
(discriminatory treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa) in South Africa,
being the first country to have raised the issue in the UN in 1946.
India took an active part in Drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights-
1948.
Its experience with the UN had not always been positive. On Kashmir issue, Nehru's
faith in the UN and adherence to its principles proved costly as UN that was packed
with pro-Pakistani partisan powers.
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was elected the first woman President of the UN General
Assembly in 1953.
India's status as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the
Group of 77 (G-77) cemented its position within the UN system as a leading advocate
of the concerns and aspirations of developing countries and the creation of a more
equitable international economic and political order.
It involved in conflict with China (1962), two wars (1965, 1971) with Pakistan and
entered a period of political instability, economic stagnation, food shortages and
near-famine conditions.
India's role diminished in the UN which came both as a result of its image and a
deliberate decision by the post-Nehru political leadership to adopt a low
profile at the UN and speak only on vital Indian interests.
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 India has been a member of the UN Security Council for seven terms (a total of 14
years), with the most recent being the 2011–12 term.
India is a member of G4 (Brazil, Germany, India and Japan), a group of nations who
back each other in seeking a permanent seat on the Security Council and advocate in
favour of the reformation of the UNSC.
The Russian Federation, United States, United Kingdom and France support
India and the other G4 countries gaining permanent seats.
India is also part of the G-77.
The Group of 77 (G-77) was established on 15 June 1964 by seventy-seven
developing countries signatories of the “Joint Declaration of the Seventy-
Seven Developing Countries”.
It is designed to promote its members' collective economic interests and create
an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.
Because of the historical significance, the name G-77 has been kept despite the
group’s growth to include more than 130 countries.
UN peacekeeping missions: From protecting civilians, disarming ex-combatants and
helping countries transition from conflict to peace, India has served the cause of
peace.
At present (2019), India is the third largest troop contributor with 6593
personnel deployed with UN Peacekeeping Missions (Lebanon, Congo, Sudan
and South Sudan, Golan Heights, Ivory Coast, Haiti, Liberia).
India has suffered the highest number of fatalities (164 out of close to 3,800
personnel) among countries that have sent forces to the United Nations
peacekeeping mission since 1948.
Mahatma Gandhi has had a lasting influence on the United Nations. His ideals of
non-violence deeply influenced the United Nations at the time of its inception.
In 2007, the United Nations declared 2 nd October, Mahatma’s Gandhi’s birthday,
as the International day of non-violence.
In 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution commemorating 21 June as
the International Yoga Day.
It recognises the holistic benefits of this timeless practice and its inherent
compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations.
Plea for International Equality Day: In 2016, with focus on combating inequalities
to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, B. R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary
was observed at the United Nations for the first time. India has made a plea to declare
April 14 as International Equality Day.

UN Challenges & Reforms

UN Administrative & Financial-Resources Challenges

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 Development Reform: Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) will require
bold changes to the UN Development System (UNDS) for the emergence of a new
generation of country teams, centred on a strategic UN Development Assistance
Framework and led by an impartial, independent and empowered resident
coordinator.
Management Reform: To confront global challenges and to remain relevant in a
fast-changing world, United Nations must empower managers and staff, simplifies
processes, increases accountability and transparency and improves on the delivery of
our mandates.
There are concerns for improving efficiency, avoidance of duplication, and the
minimization of waste in the functioning of the entire UN system.
Financial Resources: Contributions of the Member States should have, as their
fundamental underpinning, the capacity to pay principle.
The Member States should pay their contributions unconditionally, in full and on
time, as delays in payments have caused an unprecedented financial crisis in the
UN system.
Financial reforms hold the key to the future of the world body. Without
sufficient resources, the UN's activities and role would suffer.

Peace and Security issues

Threats to Peace and Security: The range of potential threats to peace and security
that UN has to face, are following-
poverty, disease, and environmental breakdown (the threats to human security
identified in the Millennium Development Goals),
conflict between states,
violence and massive human rights violations within states,
terrorism threats from organized crime,
and the proliferation of weapons - particularly WMD, but also conventional.
Terrorism: Nations that support groups that are widely linked to terrorism, such as
Pakistan, are not held accountable specifically for these actions. To this date, the UN
still does not have a clear definition of terrorism, and they have no plans to pursue
one.
Nuclear Proliferation: In 1970, the nuclear non-proliferation treaty was signed by
190 nations. Despite this treaty, nuclear stockpiles remain high, and numerous
nations continue to develop these devastating weapons. The failure of the non-
proliferation treaty details the ineffectiveness of the United Nations and their
inability to enforce crucial rules and regulations on offending nations.

Security Council reforms

Composition of Security Council: It has remained largely static, while the UN
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 General Assembly membership has expanded considerably.
In 1965, the membership of the Security Council was expanded from 11 to 15.
There was no change in the number of permanent members. Since then, the
size of the Council has remained frozen.
This has undermined the representative character of the Council. An expanded
Council, which is more representative, will also enjoy greater political authority
and legitimacy.
India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with
Brazil, Germany and Japan (G-4). The four countries support each others' bids for
the permanent seats in the top UN body.
Any expansion of permanent members' category must be based on an agreed
criteria, rather than be a pre-determined selection.
UNSC Veto power: It is often observed that UN's effectiveness and responsiveness to
international security threats depends on judiciously use of the UNSC veto.
Veto Power: The five permanent members enjoy the luxury of veto power;
when a permanent member vetoes a vote, the Council resolution cannot be
adopted, regardless of international support. Even if the other fourteen nations
vote yes, a single veto will beat this overwhelming show of support.
There are proposals on future of Veto power:
limiting the use of the veto to vital national security issues;
requiring agreement from multiple states before exercising the veto;
abolishing the veto entirely;
Any reform of the veto will be very difficult:
Articles 108 and 109 of the United Nations Charter grant the P5 (5
permanent members) veto over any amendments to the Charter, requiring
them to approve of any modifications to the UNSC veto power that they
themselves hold.

Non-Conventional Challenges
Since its creation, UN is working with goal of safeguarding peace, protecting human
rights, establishing the framework for international justice and promoting economic
and social progress. New challenges, such as climate change, refugees and
population ageing are new fields it has to work.
Climate Change: From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production, to
rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the impacts of climate
change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. Without drastic action today,
adapting to these impacts in the future will be more difficult and costly.
Growing population: The world population is projected to increase by more than one
billion people within the next 15 years, reaching 8.5 billion in 2030, and to increase
further to 9.7 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100.
The world population growth rate must slow down significantly to avoid
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 reaching unsustainable levels.
Population Ageing: It is poised to become one of the most significant social
transformations of the twenty-first century, with implications for nearly all sectors of
society, including labour and financial markets, the demand for goods and services,
such as housing, transportation and social protection, as well as family structures and
intergenerational ties.
Refugees: The world is witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record.
An unprecedented 65.6 million people around the world have been forced from
home by conflict and persecution at the end of 2016.
Among them are nearly 22.5 million refugees, over half of whom are under the
age of 18.
There are also 10 million stateless people, who have been denied a nationality
and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and
freedom of movement.

Conclusion
Despite having many short-comings, UN has played a crucial role making this human
society more civil, more peaceful & secure in comparison to time of its origin at 2 nd
World War.
United Nations, being the world’s largest democratic body of all nations, its
responsibility towards humanity is very high in terms of building democratic society,
economic development of people living in acute poverty, & preserving the Earth’s
Ecosystem in concern with Climate Change.

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RSTV: THE BIG PICTURE- NEED OF REFORMS
IN UN
insightsonindia.com/2021/04/27/rstv-the-big-picture-need-of-reforms-in-un/

Insights Editor April 27, 2021

Introduction:

Addressing the UN Security Council open debate on Enhancing cooperation

between the United Nations and regional and subregional organisations in
enhancing confidence-building and dialogue in conflict prevention and
resolution, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that a rational
evaluation of cooperation between the UN and the regional and sub-regional
organisations during the last 75 years will provide a good basis for future
engagements. Noting that the world order built following the Second World
War is under serious stress, External Affairs Minister said the nature of threats
faced by member states when the United Nations was founded 75 years ago
has also changed. He said and I quote “In today’s globalised world, terrorism,
radicalisation, drug trafficking and organised crime have a growing salience.
The security implications of new technologies cannot be disregarded
UNQUOTE.

Why India should be given a permanent seat in the council?

For the first 40 years we did not want permanent membership.

In 1993, we submitted a written proposal but did not mention that we
need permanent membership.
Only after that we have started asking for a permanent membership in
the council.
India was among the founding members of United Nations.
 It is the second largest and a one of the largest constant contributor
of troops to United Nations Peacekeeping missions.
Today, India has over 8,500 peacekeepers in the field, more than twice
as many as the UN’s five big powers combined.
India, since long time, has been demanding expansion of UNSC and its
inclusion as permanent member in it. It has been a member of UNSC for
7 terms and a member of G-77 and G-4, so permanent membership is a
logical extension.

Need for reforms in UNSC:

Regional representation
Supporters of UNSC reform claim that there is a huge European
bias in P-5 due to the presence of the United Kingdom and France
including Russia.
While regions like Latin America, Caribbean group, Arabs and
Africa do not have a single permanent member. Similarly, there is a
western bias in UNSC. As China is the only Asian country among
the five permanent members of UNSC.
Thus a large chunk of the population and many different regions of
the world remain unrepresented in the permanent membership of
UNSC.
It seems highly unfair that the whole continent of Africa does not
have a single member in P-5 despite the fact that most of the
affairs of the body concern this part of the globe only.
So regions like Africa and Latin America and others will have to be
accommodated in the reformed UNSC.
Changing geopolitics:
The victors of World War II shaped the United Nations Charter in
their national interests, dividing the permanent seats, and
associated veto power, among themselves.
It has been 72 years since the foundation of UNSC.
During this period, the geopolitical realities have changed
drastically, but the Council has changed very little.
 Question of Veto:
All five permanent members of UNSC enjoy a veto power .
Veto is a kind of negative vote by a permanent member that
prevents the adoption of a proposal, even if it has received the
required overall votes by the members.
Sadly, veto power is grossly misused by the permanent members
in their own national interest.
Out of 24 vetoes over the last 20 years, 15 have been used by the
United States to protect Israel.
This also badly affects the conduct of the business of UNSC as
many important proposals involving substantive issues get blocked
due to use of veto by any of the five permanent members.
G-4 and India s quest for a permanent seat:
In recent decades, India has been very vocal in demanding for a
permanent seat in UNSC. It is also part of G-4, a group of 4
nations (India, Brazil, Germany and Japan) to lobby for permanent
positions on the UNSC or at least to make the council more
representative.
Many member-states have been pledging support for our
aspiration for permanent membership. Several P-5 countries have
also announced their support. At present, China is the only P-5
member opposing India s bid.
G-4 wants to expand the permanent seats in the UNSC to 10 to
include 6 new members G-4 nations apart from one seat to Africa
and one seat to Arabs
Transparency and Working Methods:
While the expansion of the Security Council has been hotly
debated across the world, debate on the working methods of the
Council, an equally important aspect of reform to many member
states, has attracted less attention.
It is true that UNSC has been functioning in the most non-
transparent and non-consultative way.
The undemocratic nature of UNSC within the supposedly
democratic UN has compromised the overall credibility of the
United Nations.

India Qualifies:

India was among the founding members of United Nations.

India has been a leader and largest constant contributor of troops to
United Nations Peacekeeping missions.
India always has been upholding UN principles.
It is a major big economic emergent power.
 India’s picture in the UN as well as in the world has increased whether it
is the election of ICJ.
177 countries including Islamic countries celebrated International Yoga
Day.
India enjoys the backing of major powers including four permanent
members other than China and those of African Union, Latin America,
Middle Eastern countries and other LDCs from different parts of the
globe.
India has been a responsible power and it has contributed significantly in
global peace efforts.
India rescued not only Indians but also many persons from other
countries including Pakistan and USA from war ravaged Yemen and
South Sudan under its operation Rahat and Sankat Mochan respectively.

Current Scenario:

China opposes Japan’s entry.

Italy and Spain opposes Germany’s entry.
Argentina and Mexico opposes Brazil’s bid.
African countries have not come up with their candidates.
India has emerged as the strongest candidate.
UNSC is balance of power reflectivity of 1945 and not today.
Out of the 122 members who have given their comments on
negotiations, 113 support the reforms.
All the permanent members have their angularities when it comes to
expanding the UNSC with Franch supporting openly.
India follows an independent foreign policy which is very often not
seen as those in power sitting in sync with them.

Hindrance on the way:

They make many statements but none of the permanent 5 want reforms
of UNSC.
Britain and France have made some voice in order to support India, their
primary goal is to ensure whatever happens their position remain
because they both have joined the EU and as part of the EU they need
to coordinate their foreign policies.
One opposing another country’s entry.
No consensus among African countries.

How beneficial are the reforms at UNSC for India?

We can project our interests more powerfully.

We would be directly responsible for peace and security questions.
 Rise as a global power.

Conclusion:

India’s claim for permanent membership is a genuine demand in the

changed geo politics of 21st century as we have discussed before. India
is possibly the most obvious and least controversial option to add as a
permanent member, and probably long overdue for a seat.
UNSC is mandated to keep international peace and security.
However it is under constant criticism for its plans and actions. It is
said to be performing in unilateral way with unquestioned authority,
working only for vested interests and not making non-permanent
members inclusive in their decision making.
In this context, we can see that India’s demand is not illegitimate as India
does wield a certain influence in world affairs today due to its impressive
economic growth and strong military base.
South Asia being a victim of various repercussions of war, terrorism, and
extremism India gains more say on its and neighbor’s problems and will
have power to challenge the ethos and working style of permanent
members of UNSC.
In the contemporary period, if India has to make a strong claim to
permanent membership, it has to single mindedly focus on economic
growth, with concomitant military might.