In 1945, as World War II was finally ending, the victorious Allied countries were anxious to prevent another massive global conflict. The nations agreed to establish a new organization in order to promote international cooperation. Representatives from the Allied countries, along with twenty-four others, gathered in San Francisco for the inception of this organization, which they called the United Nations (U.N.). Thousands of participants held hundreds of meetings to determine the U.N.'s structure, powers, and procedures. On June 26, 1945, after two months of intensive work, officials from all fifty nations gathered to ceremoniously sign the Charter of the United Nations.
Today, over 180 nations are members of the U.N., and the organization has a staff of over forty thousand people. At its headquarters in New York City, representatives from each member nation come together to discuss issues, make recommendations, and vote on important decisions. Each nation has one vote, and delegates may speak in any of six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Translators are available so that everyone can be understood.
The U.N. has many different departments and agencies that focus on issues such as health care, finance, human rights, food security, and education. One of the organization's best-known agencies is the World Health Organization (WHO), which is responsible for international public health. WHO's mission is to promote the highest possible level of health for all people and to ensure equitable access to health care services without discrimination.
Another well-known branch of the U.N. is the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. This department coordinates the blue-helmeted peacekeeping soldiers who monitor cease-fires and help protect civilians during conflicts. In 1999, after an eight-year-long civil war in Sierra Leone had reached a cease-fire, the U.N. deployed peacekeeping troops to help prevent the warring sides from continuing to fight. Although the troops were attacked, they stayed in Sierra Leone until 2005 and are credited with helping bring peace to the country.
Despite its many accomplishments, the U.N. has also received its share of criticism. Some critics claim that an often slow and unwieldy organizational structure can hamper the U.N.'s ability to respond quickly to crises. Others complain that the U.N. is simply too expensive and that member nations would be better off spending their money on domestic programs instead.
While not all U.N. decisions and programs are popular, most people continue to support the basic principles that first inspired the organization. The U.N. remains the leading institution dedicated to international peace and cooperation, and it has shown how much can be accomplished when independent nations agree to work together.
What is the text mainly about?
It’s About The origins and functions of the United Nations
It’s About The United Nations biggest problem and weakness
It’s About The various member nations of the United Nations
It’s About The United Nations Efforts to prevent world war 2