United Nations (UN) – UPSC Notes 

Introduction

The United Nations (UN) is the most important international organization created to maintain global peace, promote cooperation among nations, and address worldwide challenges such as poverty, climate change, conflicts, and human rights violations. It was established after World War II to prevent future wars through diplomacy and collective security. For UPSC preparation, understanding its structure, organs, agencies, dates, and headquarters is extremely important for Polity and International Relations.

Historical Background and Formation

• The United Nations was officially formed on 24 October 1945 after the UN Charter came into force.

• Headquarters (HQ): New York City, USA.

• Signed initially by 51 countries at San Francisco Conference; today it has 193 member states.

• It replaced the League of Nations, which failed to prevent World War II.

Objectives and Principles

Main Objectives:

• Maintain international peace and security.

• Promote friendly relations among nations.

• Achieve international cooperation in solving global problems.

• Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Key Principles:

• Sovereign equality of all states.

• Peaceful settlement of disputes.

• Non-use of force except under UN authorization.

Six Principal Organs of the UN (Formation & Headquarters)

General Assembly (UNGA)

• Formation: 1945

• Headquarters: New York, USA

• All member countries participate with one vote each.

• Discusses global issues like development, climate change, and peace.

Security Council (UNSC)

• Formation: 1945

• Headquarters: New York, USA

• 15 members:

  • Permanent (P5): USA, UK, France, Russia, China

  • 10 Non-permanent members elected for 2 years

• Responsible for peacekeeping, sanctions, and international security.

• P5 members have veto power.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

• Formation: 1945

• Headquarters: New York, USA

• Coordinates economic, social, and environmental work of UN agencies.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

• Formation: 1945

• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands

• Settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions.

Secretariat

• Formation: 1945

• Headquarters: New York, USA

• Headed by the UN Secretary-General.

• Handles administration and implementation of UN decisions.

Trusteeship Council

• Formation: 1945

• Headquarters: New York, USA

• Created to supervise decolonization; currently inactive since 1994.

Specialized Agencies and Their Headquarters (Important for UPSC)

• WHO (World Health Organization)

  • Formation: 1948

  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

• UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

  • Formation: 1945

  • Headquarters: Paris, France

• UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)

  • Formation: 1946

  • Headquarters: New York, USA

• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)

  • Formation: 1945

  • Headquarters: Rome, Italy

• UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)

  • Formation: 1965

  • Headquarters: New York, USA

• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)

  • Formation: 1950

  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

These agencies contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Peacekeeping Operations

• Started in 1948 with UN Truce Supervision Organization.

• Headquarters: Managed from UN HQ, New York.

• Blue Helmet forces help maintain ceasefires, protect civilians, and support peace agreements.

• India is among the largest troop contributors.

Role of India in the United Nations

• Founding member since 1945.

• Major contributor to peacekeeping missions.

• Advocates for developing countries and Global South.

• Supports climate justice and sustainable development.

• Demands permanent membership in the Security Council as part of UN reforms.

Achievements of the UN

• Prevented another global world war.

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948.

• Major role in decolonization.

• Global health achievements like smallpox eradication.

• Humanitarian assistance during disasters and conflicts.

Criticisms and Challenges

• Veto power creates decision deadlocks.

• Slow bureaucratic processes.

• Funding dependence on member contributions.

• Security Council structure reflects post-World War II power balance rather than modern realities.

Need for UN Reforms

• Expansion of Security Council (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil – G4 nations).

• Reform or restriction of veto power.

• Better representation of developing nations.

• Strengthening peacekeeping and accountability mechanisms.

UPSC Exam Relevance

Prelims Focus:

• Formation dates and headquarters of UN organs and agencies.

• ICJ location.

• Structure of Security Council.

Mains (GS Paper II):

• UN reforms and India’s bid for permanent membership.

• Role of UN in global governance and multilateralism.

• Peacekeeping missions.

Essay Topics:

• Future of Multilateralism.

• Reforming Global Institutions.

Conclusion

The United Nations remains the backbone of global governance and international cooperation. Despite structural challenges, it continues to serve as a platform where nations discuss, negotiate, and collaborate on global issues. For UPSC aspirants, understanding formation dates, headquarters, organs, and India’s role provides both factual clarity for Prelims and analytical depth for Mains.