António Guterres appointed next UN Secretary-General by ensure the safe and orderly growth of international civil International Maritime
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
acclamation. 13 October 2016 – The General Assembly today
appointed by acclamation the former Prime Minister of
Portugal,António Guterres, as the next United Nations
Secretary-General, to succeed Ban Ki-moon when he steps
down on 31 December.
------------------------------------
Chief Executives Board for Coordination?
CEB Member Organizations
The membership of the CEB includes the United Nations; 15
specialized agencies established by intergovernmental
agreement; 3 Related Organizations; and 12 funds and
programmes created by the United Nations General Assembly.
IOM is the newest member to join the CEB.
United Nations (UN)
The United Nations is an international organization founded in
1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to
maintaining international peace and security, developing
friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress,
better living standards and human rights.
International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded in
1919, its Constitution forming part of the Treaty of Versailles.
The ILO became the first specialised agency of the UN in 1946.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
The aim of the Food and Agriculture Organization, as defined in
its Constitution, is to: raise levels of nutrition and standards of
living; secure improvements in food production and
distribution; better the conditions of rural people and;
contribute toward an expanding world economy and ensure
freedom from hunger.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) was established in 1945 to promote the aims set out
in article 1, para. 3 of the UN Charter. Its purpose, as stated in
article 1 of its Constitution, is to contribute to peace and
security by promoting collaboration among nations through
education, science and culture.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
The Convention on International Civil Aviation, which provided
for the establishment of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), was signed in Chicago in 1944. The
Organization came into existence on 4 April 1947 after 26
states had ratified the Convention. Under article 44 of the
Convention, the ICAO is charged with developing the principles
and techniques of international air navigation, and fostering the
planning and development of international air transport to
aviation throughout the world.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Representatives of 61 states adopted the World Health
Organization (WHO) Constitution in 1946. The Organization
formally came into existence on 7 April 1948 and became a UN
specialized agency on 10 July 1948. Article 1 of the Constitution
defines the WHO's objective as "the attainment by all peoples
of the highest possible level of health". The detailed functions
are set out in article 2 of the Constitution.
World Bank Group (World Bank Group)
Since inception in 1944, the World Bank has expanded from a
single institution to a closely associated group of five
development institutions.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organisation of
187 countries that works to foster global monetary
cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international
trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic
growth, and reduce poverty.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) was established by the Berne
Treaty of 1874 and became a specialised agency of the UN in
1948. Article 1 of the Vienna Constitution 1964 states that the
aim of the Union is to secure the organisation and
improvements of postal services, promote the development of
international collaboration and undertake, as far as possible,
technical assistance in postal matters requested by members
countries. To this end, the countries that have adopted the
Constitution comprise a single postal territory.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was founded
in 1865 in Paris as the International Telegraph Union. The 1932
Madrid Plenipotentiary Conference decided the current name,
which came into force on 1 January 1934. The ITU is an inter-
governmental organization that brings together governments
and industry to coordinate the establishment and operation of
global telecommunication networks and services.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is the successor
to the International Meteorological Organization, which was
established in 1873. It formally came into existence in 1950 and
became a UN specialised agency in 1951.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the UN
specialised agency responsible for the safety of life at sea,
maritime security and the protection of the marine
environment through prevention of sea pollution caused by
ships. It facilitates cooperation among governments to achieve
the highest practicable standards of maritime safety and
security, and efficiency in navigation.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is
dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible
international intellectual property (IP) system that rewards
creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic
development while safeguarding the public interest.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is
an international financial institution and UN specialised agency
dedicated to eradicating poverty in rural areas of developing
countries. The Fund was established in 1977 as one of the
major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the UN
specialized agency mandated to promote industrial
development and international industrial cooperation. The
Organization's mission statement is: Partner for prosperity:
UNIDO aspires to reduce poverty through sustainable industrial
development. we want every country to have the opportunity
to grow a flourishing productive sector, to increase their
participation in international trade and to safeguard their
environment.
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
UNWTO is the UN's specialised agency in the field of tourism. It
provides leadership and support to the tourism sector in the
advancement of sustainable policies, practices and actions.
Through the promotion and development of responsible,
sustainable and universally accessible tourism, UNWTO
endeavours to maximise tourism's contribution to socio-
economic growth, job creation, development, environmental
conservation, cultural enrichment and international
understanding, while minimizing negative social or
environmental impacts. It pays particular attention to the
interests of developing countries.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The purpose of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
is to promote and accelerate the contribution atomic energy
makes to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world.
At the same time, the Agency is charged with ensuring that the
assistance it provides is not used to further states' military
objectives, and that nuclear material is not diverted to non-
peaceful activities.

World Trade Organization (WTO)
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global
international organization dealing with the rules of trade
between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements,
negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading
nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help
producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers
conduct their business.
refugees and other persons of concern, including stateless
people, and to seek durable solutions for them. Protection
includes preventing refoulement (the involuntary return of a
refugee or a person of concern to a country where he or she
may have a well-founded fear of persecution) and ensuring that
host countries follow international norms in the treatment of
refugees.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
in the Near East (UNRWA)
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
GA res. 32/162 (1977) established the Governing Council of the
UN Human Settlements Programme and its Secretariat, the UN
Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) (previously
known as the UN Centre for Human Settlements). UN-HABITAT,
which has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, is charged with
coordinating human settlement activities within the UN system
and facilitating the global exchange of information on shelter
and sustainable urban development.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the

International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Established in 1951, the International Organization for
Migration is the leading intergovernmental organization in the
field of migration and is committed to the principle that
humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.
IOM works with its partners in the international community to
assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of
migration, advance understanding of migration issues,
encourage social and economic development through
migration and uphold the well-being and human rights of
migrants.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD)
UNCTAD promotes the integration of developing countries into
the world economy. Its work aims to help shape policy debates
and thinking on development, with a particular focus on
ensuring that domestic policies and international action are
mutually supportive in bringing about sustainable
development.
Near East (UNRWA) was established by the General Assembly
(GA res. 302 (IV)) on 8 December 1949, following the 1948
Arab-Israeli conflict, to carry out direct relief and works
programmes for Palestine refugees. The Agency began
operations on 1 May 1950.
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
The UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was
established by the General Assembly (GA res. 57 (I) (1946) to
provide emergency assistance to children in war-ravaged
countries following World War II. By GA res. 417 (V) (1950), the
UN General Assembly charged it with addressing the needs of
children in developing countries. GA res. 802 (VIII) (1953)
extended UNICEF'S mandate indefinitely, with an emphasis on
programmes giving long-term benefits to children everywhere,
particularly those in developing countries, and changed the
organization's name to the United Nations Children's Fund but
retained the UNICEF acronym.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
UN Women (UN Women)
UN Women was established in July 2010 by the General
Assembly (res. 64/289) to improve the coordination and
coherence of gender equality and empowerment of women,
and promote more effective gender mainstreaming across the
UN system. It consolidated the work of four UN gender entities:
the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the Division
for the Advancement of Women, the Office of the Special
Adviser on Gender Issues, and the UN International Research
and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women.
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
The UN Office for Project Services' (UNOPS') mission is to
expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to
implement peace building, humanitarian and development
operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of
the world's most challenging environments, UNOPS' core
services include project management, procurement, human
resources management, fund management and UN common
services.

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is a United Nations ------------------------------------

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations
lead agency for the UN development system. Its objective is to
build inclusive, sustainable and resilient societies. It has a
presence in 176 countries and territories, and provides expert
advice, training and financial support. Special attention is paid
to the needs of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and
countries emerging from conflict.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) was established by GA
res. 2997 (XXVII) (1972) following the Stockholm Conference on
the Human Environment. It aims to provide leadership and
encourage partnerships in caring for the environment by
inspiring, informing and enabling nations and people to
improve their quality of life, without compromising that of
future generations.
development agency that promotes the right of every woman,
man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. Specialized Agencies
UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies
and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every
Specialized Agencies are legally independent international
pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is
organizations with their own rules, membership, organs and
free of HIV, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity
financial resources, were brought into relationship with the
and respect.
United Nations through negotiated agreements. Some of the
agencies existed before the First World War, some were
associated with the League of Nations, others were created
almost simultaneously with the United Nations and yet others
were created by the United Nations itself to meet emerging
needs. Given the diversity of their respective fields of action,
World Food Programme (WFP) history and experience, each agency has its own needs and
concerns, not to speak of corporate culture.
The World Food Programme(WFP) was established in 1961 by
the General Assembly and UN Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) Conference as the UN System's food aid
organisation. The WFP is the world's largest humanitarian
agency fighting hunger worldwide.
International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded in
1919, its Constitution forming part of the Treaty of Versailles.
The ILO became the first specialised agency of the UN in 1946.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the secretariat of

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR)
The work of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) is humanitarian and non-political. Its
principal functions are to provide international protection to
the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against
Transnational Organized Crime and its three supplementary
protocols on: Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Children; Smuggling of Migrants; and illicit Manufacturing of
and Trafficking in Firearms. It is also the secretariat of the
The aim of the Food and Agriculture Organization, as defined in
Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against its Constitution, is to: raise levels of nutrition and standards of
Corruption. UNODC promotes the ratification and living; secure improvements in food production and
implementation of all of these conventions and protocols distribution; better the conditions of rural people and;
through capacity building, training and technical assistance.
contribute toward an expanding world economy and ensure
freedom from hunger.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) was established in 1945 to promote the aims set out
in article 1, para. 3 of the UN Charter. Its purpose, as stated in
article 1 of its Constitution, is to contribute to peace and
security by promoting collaboration among nations through
education, science and culture.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
The Convention on International Civil Aviation, which provided
for the establishment of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), was signed in Chicago in 1944. The
Organization came into existence on 4 April 1947 after 26
states had ratified the Convention. Under article 44 of the
Convention, the ICAO is charged with developing the principles
and techniques of international air navigation, and fostering the
planning and development of international air transport to
ensure the safe and orderly growth of international civil
aviation throughout the world.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Representatives of 61 states adopted the World Health
Organization (WHO) Constitution in 1946. The Organization
formally came into existence on 7 April 1948 and became a UN
specialized agency on 10 July 1948. Article 1 of the Constitution
defines the WHO's objective as "the attainment by all peoples
of the highest possible level of health". The detailed functions
are set out in article 2 of the Constitution.
World Bank Group (World Bank Group)
Since inception in 1944, the World Bank has expanded from a
single institution to a closely associated group of five
development institutions.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organisation of
187 countries that works to foster global monetary
cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international
trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic
growth, and reduce poverty.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) was established by the Berne
Treaty of 1874 and became a specialised agency of the UN in
1948. Article 1 of the Vienna Constitution 1964 states that the
aim of the Union is to secure the organisation and
improvements of postal services, promote the development of
international collaboration and undertake, as far as possible,
technical assistance in postal matters requested by members
countries. To this end, the countries that have adopted the
Constitution comprise a single postal territory.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was founded
in 1865 in Paris as the International Telegraph Union. The 1932
Madrid Plenipotentiary Conference decided the current name,
which came into force on 1 January 1934. The ITU is an inter-
governmental organization that brings together governments
and industry to coordinate the establishment and operation of
global telecommunication networks and services.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is the successor
to the International Meteorological Organization, which was
established in 1873. It formally came into existence in 1950 and
became a UN specialised agency in 1951.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the UN
specialised agency responsible for the safety of life at sea,
maritime security and the protection of the marine
environment through prevention of sea pollution caused by
ships. It facilitates cooperation among governments to achieve
the highest practicable standards of maritime safety and
security, and efficiency in navigation.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is
dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible
international intellectual property (IP) system that rewards
creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic
development while safeguarding the public interest.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is
an international financial institution and UN specialised agency
dedicated to eradicating poverty in rural areas of developing
countries. The Fund was established in 1977 as one of the
major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the UN
specialized agency mandated to promote industrial
development and international industrial cooperation. The
Organization's mission statement is: Partner for prosperity:
UNIDO aspires to reduce poverty through sustainable industrial
development. we want every country to have the opportunity
to grow a flourishing productive sector, to increase their
participation in international trade and to safeguard their
environment.
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
UNWTO is the UN's specialised agency in the field of tourism. It
provides leadership and support to the tourism sector in the
advancement of sustainable policies, practices and actions.
Through the promotion and development of responsible,
sustainable and universally accessible tourism, UNWTO
endeavours to maximise tourism's contribution to socio-
economic growth, job creation, development, environmental
conservation, cultural enrichment and international
understanding, while minimizing negative social or
environmental impacts. It pays particular attention to the
interests of developing countries.
------------------------------------
Funds and Programmes
The Funds and Programmes were created by the United
Nations to meet needs not envisaged at San Francisco, such as
Palestine refugees, development assistance, food aid, or the
environment. They are subordinate to the United Nations, but
since they are immediately controlled by distinct inter-
governmental bodies and derive most of their financial
resources from other sources than the United Nations budgets,
they are somewhat more akin to specialized agencies than to
"subsidiary organs" such as UN commissions and committees.
Moreover, as their activities are more operational and carried
out at field level, they have needs dictated by an environment
quite different from that of headquarters-centred
administrations. The Programmes and Funds apply UN rules
and regulations in the realm of administration and personnel.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD)
UNCTAD promotes the integration of developing countries into
the world economy. Its work aims to help shape policy debates
and thinking on development, with a particular focus on
ensuring that domestic policies and international action are
mutually supportive in bringing about sustainable
development.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations
lead agency for the UN development system. Its objective is to
build inclusive, sustainable and resilient societies. It has a
presence in 176 countries and territories, and provides expert
advice, training and financial support. Special attention is paid
to the needs of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and
countries emerging from conflict.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) was established by GA
res. 2997 (XXVII) (1972) following the Stockholm Conference on
the Human Environment. It aims to provide leadership and
encourage partnerships in caring for the environment by
inspiring, informing and enabling nations and people to
improve their quality of life, without compromising that of
future generations.
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR)
The work of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) is humanitarian and non-political. Its
principal functions are to provide international protection to
refugees and other persons of concern, including stateless
people, and to seek durable solutions for them. Protection
includes preventing refoulement (the involuntary return of a
refugee or a person of concern to a country where he or she
may have a well-founded fear of persecution) and ensuring that
host countries follow international norms in the treatment of
refugees.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
in the Near East (UNRWA)
The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA) was established by the General Assembly
(GA res. 302 (IV)) on 8 December 1949, following the 1948
Arab-Israeli conflict, to carry out direct relief and works
programmes for Palestine refugees. The Agency began
operations on 1 May 1950.
Children; Smuggling of Migrants; and illicit Manufacturing of
and Trafficking in Firearms. It is also the secretariat of the
Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against
Corruption. UNODC promotes the ratification and
implementation of all of these conventions and protocols
through capacity building, training and technical assistance.
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
GA res. 32/162 (1977) established the Governing Council of the
UN Human Settlements Programme and its Secretariat, the UN
Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) (previously
known as the UN Centre for Human Settlements). UN-HABITAT,
which has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, is charged with
coordinating human settlement activities within the UN system
and facilitating the global exchange of information on shelter
and sustainable urban development.
UN Women (UN Women)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global
international organization dealing with the rules of trade
between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements,
negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading
nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help
producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers
conduct their business.
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Established in 1951, the International Organization for
Migration is the leading intergovernmental organization in the
field of migration and is committed to the principle that
humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.
IOM works with its partners in the international community to
assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of
migration, advance understanding of migration issues,
encourage social and economic development through
migration and uphold the well-being and human rights of
migrants.

UN Women was established in July 2010 by the General

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
The UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was
established by the General Assembly (GA res. 57 (I) (1946) to
provide emergency assistance to children in war-ravaged
countries following World War II. By GA res. 417 (V) (1950), the
UN General Assembly charged it with addressing the needs of
children in developing countries. GA res. 802 (VIII) (1953)
extended UNICEF'S mandate indefinitely, with an emphasis on
programmes giving long-term benefits to children everywhere,
particularly those in developing countries, and changed the
organization's name to the United Nations Children's Fund but
retained the UNICEF acronym.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is a United Nations
development agency that promotes the right of every woman,
man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.
UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies
and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every
pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is
free of HIV, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity
and respect.
Assembly (res. 64/289) to improve the coordination and
coherence of gender equality and empowerment of women,
and promote more effective gender mainstreaming across the
UN system. It consolidated the work of four UN gender entities:
the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the Division
for the Advancement of Women, the Office of the Special
Adviser on Gender Issues, and the UN International Research
and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women.
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
The UN Office for Project Services' (UNOPS') mission is to
expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to
implement peace building, humanitarian and development
operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of
the world's most challenging environments, UNOPS' core
services include project management, procurement, human
resources management, fund management and UN common
services.
Related Organizations
The term “Related Organization” has to be understood as a
default expression, describing organizations whose cooperation
agreement with the United Nations has many points in
common with that of Specialized Agencies, but does not refer
to Article 57 and 63 of the United Nations Charter, relevant to
Specialized Agencies. Nonetheless, these organizations are part
and parcel of the work of CEB.

World Food Programme (WFP)

The World Food Programme(WFP) was established in 1961 by

the General Assembly and UN Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) Conference as the UN System's food aid
organisation. The WFP is the world's largest humanitarian
agency fighting hunger worldwide.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The purpose of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
is to promote and accelerate a contribution atomic energy
makes to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world.
At the same time, the Agency is charged with ensuring that the
assistance it provides is not used to further states' military
objectives, and that nuclear material is not diverted to non-
peaceful activities.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the secretariat of

the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against
Transnational Organized Crime and its three supplementary
protocols on: Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and
Mr. António Guterres (Chair of CEB)
Secretary-General of the United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization
founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51
countries committed to maintaining international
peace and security, developing friendly relations
among nations and promoting social progress, better
living standards and human rights.
MANDATE
Due to its unique international character, and the
powers vested in its founding Charter, the
Organization can take action on a wide range of issues,
and provide a forum for its 193 Member States to
express their views, through the General Assembly,
the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council
and other bodies and committees
The work of the United Nations reaches every corner
of the globe. Although best known for peacekeeping,
peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian
assistance, there are many other ways the United
Nations and its System (specialized agencies, funds
and programmes) affect our lives and make the world
a better place. The Organization works on a broad
range of fundamental issues, from sustainable
development, environment and refugees protection,
disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and
non-proliferation, to promoting democracy, human
rights, gender equality and the advancement of
women, governance, economic and social
development and international health, clearing
landmines, expanding food production, and more, in
order to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a
safer world for this and future generations.
STRUCTURE
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ
of the UN and is composed of representatives of all
Member States. The work of the United Nations year-
round derives largely from the mandates given by the
General Assembly. A revitalization of the Assembly is
under way to enhance its role, authority, effectiveness
and efficiency.
Economic and Social Council
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC),
established by the UN Charter, is the principal organ
to coordinate the economic, social and related work of
the United Nations and the specialized agencies and
institutions. Voting in the Council is by simple
majority; each member has one vote.
International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice, located at the
Hague in the Netherlands, is the principal judicial
organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes
between states and gives advisory opinions to the UN
and its specialized agencies. Its Statute is an integral
part of the United Nations Charter.
Security Council
The Security Council has primary responsibility, under
the UN Charter, for the maintenance of international
peace and security. A reform of the Security Council,
including its membership is under consideration.
Trusteeship Council
The Trusteeship Council was established in 1945 by
the UN Charter to provide international supervision
for 11 Trust Territories placed under the
administration of 7 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. Its work completed, the Council has
amended its rules of procedure to meet as and where
occasion may require.
Under the Charter, the Trusteeship Council is
authorized to examine and discuss reports from the
Administering Authority on the political, economic,
social and educational advancement of the peoples of
Trust Territories and, in consultation with the
Administering Authority, to examine petitions from
and undertake periodic and other special missions to
Trust Territories.
Secretariat
The Secretariat carries out the day-to-day work of the
Organization. It services the other principal organs
and carries out tasks as varied as the issues dealt with
by the UN: administering peacekeeping operations,
surveying economic and social trends, preparing
studies on human rights, among others.
Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs
MEMBERSHIP
 General Assembly: 193 Member States
 The General Assembly (GA) is the main
deliberative, policymaking and
representative organ of the UN.
 Decisions on important questions, such as
those on peace and security, admission of
new members and budgetary matters,
 Economic and Social Council: 54 members
require a two-thirds majority. Decisions
on other questions are by simple
majority.
 Each country has one vote. Some
Member States in arrear of payment may
be granted the right to vote.
 Security Council: 5 permanent members and 10
non-permanent
Current Members
According to the Charter, the United Nations has four
purposes:
 to maintain international peace and
security;
 to develop friendly relations among
nations;
 to cooperate in solving international
problems and in promoting respect for
human rights;
 and to be a centre for harmonizing the
actions of nations.
All members of the United Nations agree to accept
and carry out the decisions of the Security Council.
While other organs of the United Nations make
recommendations to member states, only the Security
Council has the power to make decisions that member
states are then obligated to implement under the
Charter.
Permanent and Non-Permanent Members
The Council is composed of 15 Members:
five permanent members: China, France, Russian
Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United
States,
and ten non-permanent members elected for two-
year terms by the General Assembly (with end of term
date):
Bolivia (2018) Egypt (2017)
Ethiopia (2018) Italy (2017)
Japan (2017) Kazakhstan (2018)
Senegal (2017) Sweden (2018)
Ukraine (2017) Uruguay (2017)
Non-Council Member States
More than 60 United Nations Member States have
never been Members of the Security Council.
A State which is a Member of the United Nations but
not of the Security Council may participate, without a
vote, in its discussions when the Council considers that
country's interests are affected. Both Members and
non-members of the United Nations, if they are
parties to a dispute being considered by the Council,
may be invited to take part, without a vote, in the
Council's discussions; the Council sets the conditions
for participation by a non-member State.
ECOSOC at a Glance
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the
United Nations’ central platform for reflection,
debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable
development.
Mandate
 ECOSOC, one of the six main organs of
the United Nations established by the UN
Charter in 1946, is the principal body for
coordination, policy review, policy
dialogue and recommendations on
economic, social and environmental
issues, as well as for implementation of
the internationally agreed development
goals.
 ECOSOC serves as the central mechanism
for the activities of the United Nations
system and its specialized agencies, and
supervises the subsidiary and expert
bodies in the economic, social and
environmental fields.
 ECOSOC has undergone reforms
(A/RES/61/16, A/RES/68/1) in the last
decade to strengthen the Council and its
working methods, giving special attention
to the integrated and coordinated
implementation of, and follow-up to, the
outcomes of all major United Nations
conferences summits in the economic,
social, environmental and related
fields. Learn more…
Functions
ECOSOC engages a wide variety of stakeholders –
policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, major
groups, foundations, business sector representatives
and 3,200+ registered non-governmental
organizations – in a productive dialogue on
sustainable development through a programmatic
 cycle of meetings. The work of the Council is guided by
an issue-based approach, and there is an annual
theme that accompanies each programmatic cycle,
ensuring a sustained and focused discussion among
multiple stakeholders.
 International Court of Justice: 15 judges
 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is
the principal judicial organ of the United
Nations (UN). It was established in June
1945 by the Charter of the United Nations
and began work in April 1946.
 The seat of the Court is at the Peace
Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). Of the
six principal organs of the United Nations,
it is the only one 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.
 The Court is composed of 15 judges, who
are elected for terms of office of nine
years by the United Nations General
Assembly and the Security Council. It is
assisted by a Registry, its administrative
organ. Its official languages are English
and French.
Current Judges ad hoc
The following judges ad hoc have been chosen in the
cases currently pending before the Court:
Armed Activities on the Territory of the Congo
(Democratic Republic of the Congo v. Uganda)
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Mr. Joe
Verhoeven
Certain Activities carried out by Nicaragua in the
Border Area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua)
Costa Rica: Mr. Christopher J. R. Dugard
Nicaragua: Mr. Gilbert Guillaume
Obligation to Negotiate Access to the Pacific Ocean
(Bolivia v. Chile)
Bolivia: Mr. Yves Daudet
Chile: Mr. Donald M. McRae
Question of the Delimitation of the Continental Shelf Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 23 May 2008 in
between Nicaragua and Colombia beyond 200 nautical the case concerning Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge
miles from the Nicaraguan Coast (Nicaragua v.
(Malaysia/Singapore) (Malaysia v. Singapore)
Colombia)
Malaysia: Mr. Christopher J. R. Dugard
Nicaragua: Mr. Leonid Skotnikov
Singapore: Mr. Gilbert Guillaume
Colombia: Mr. Charles Brower
Alleged Violations of Sovereign Rights and Maritime
Spaces in the Caribbean Sea (Nicaragua v. Colombia)
Nicaragua: Mr. Yves Daudet
Colombia: Mr. David Caron
Maritime Delimitation in the Caribbean Sea and the
Pacific Ocean (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua)
Costa Rica: Mr. Bruno Simma
Nicaragua: Mr. Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh
Maritime Delimitation in the Indian Ocean (Somalia v.
Kenya)
Kenya: Mr. Gilbert Guillaume
Dispute over the Status and Use of the Waters of the
Silala (Chile v. Bolivia)
Chile: Mr. Bruno Simma
Bolivia: Mr. Yves Daudet
Immunities and Criminal Proceedings (Equatorial
Guinea v. France)
Equatorial Guinea: Mr. James Kateka
Certain Iranian Assets (Islamic Republic of Iran v.
United States of America)
United States of America: Mr. David D. Caron
Land Boundary in the Northern Part of Isla Portillos
(Costa Rica v. Nicaragua)
Costa Rica: Mr. Bruno Simma
Application of the International Convention for the Suppression
of the Financing of Terrorism and of the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination (Ukraine v. Russian Federation)
Ukraine: Mr. Fausto Pocar
Russian Federation: Mr. Leonid Skotnikov
Application for revision of the Judgment of 23 May 2008 in the
Case concerning Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu
Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge
(Malaysia/Singapore) (Malaysia v. Singapore)
Malaysia: Mr. Christopher J. R. Dugard
Singapore: Mr. Gilbert Guillaume
How does a new State or Government obtain recognition by
the United Nations?
The recognition of a new State or Government is an act that
only other States and Governments may grant or withhold. It
generally implies readiness to assume diplomatic relations. The
United Nations is neither a State nor a Government, and
therefore does not possess any authority to recognize either a
State or a Government. As an organization of independent
States, it may admit a new State to its membership or accept
the credentials of the representatives of a new Government.
The procedure is briefly as follows:
1. The State submits an application to the Secretary-
General and a letter formally stating that it accepts the
obligations under the Charter.
2. The Security Council considers the application. Any
recommendation for admission must receive the
affirmative votes of 9 of the 15 members of the
Council, provided that none of its five permanent
members — China, France, the Russian Federation, the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
and the United States of America — have voted against
the application.
3. If the Council recommends admission, the
recommendation is presented to the General Assembly
for consideration. A two-thirds majority vote is
necessary in the Assembly for admission of a new State.
4. Membership becomes effective the date the resolution
for admission is adopted.
At each session, the General Assembly considers the credentials
of all representatives of Member States participating in that
session. During such consideration, which routinely takes place
first in the nine-member Credentials Committee but can also
arise at other times, the issue can be raised whether a
particular representative has been accredited by the
Government actually in power. This issue is ultimately decided
by a majority vote in the Assembly. It should be noted that the
normal change of Governments, as through a democratic
election, does not raise any issues concerning the credentials of
the representative of the State concerned.
There are six Main Committees of the General Assembly.
Each committee deals with a particular topic and is allocated
agenda items according to the topic. A report is issued to the
plenary for each item allocated to a Main Committee.
All are committees of the whole: all UN member states
participate in them.
They are all entitled to meeting record coverage.
From the 1st session (1946) through the 30th session (1975),
General Assembly meetings and documents were consecutively
numbered. At the 31st session, the symbols began to include
the session number.
The First Committee, one of the six Main Committees of the
General Assembly, is allocated agenda items related
to disarmament and international security.
The Second Committee, one of the six Main Committees of the
General Assembly, is allocated agenda items related
to economic and financial matters.
The Third Committee, one of the six Main Committees of the
General Assembly, is allocated agenda items related to social,
humanitarian and cultural matters, including human rights.
The Fourth Committee, one of the six Main Committees of the
General Assembly, is allocated agenda items related to special
political and decolonization matters, including peacekeeping.
The Fifth Committee, one of the six Main Committees of the
General Assembly, is allocated agenda items related
to administrative and budgetary matters.
The Sixth Committee, one of the six Main Committees of the
General Assembly, is allocated agenda items related to legal
matters.
Voting System and Records
Vote and Majority Required
Article 27 of the UN Charter states that:
1. Each member of the Security Council shall
have one vote.
2. Decisions of the Security Council on
procedural matters shall be made by an
affirmative vote of nine members.
3. Decisions of the Security Council on all
other matters shall be made by an
affirmative vote of nine members including
the concurring votes of the permanent
members; provided that, in decisions under
Chapter VI, and under paragraph 3 of
Article 52, a party to a dispute shall abstain
from voting.
The Right to Veto
The creators of the United Nations Charter conceived that five
countries — China, France, the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics (USSR) [which was succeeded in 1990 by the Russian
Federation], the United Kingdom and the United States —,
because of their key roles in the establishment of the United
Nations, would continue to play important roles in the
maintenance of international peace and security. They were
granted the special status of Permanent Member States at the
Security Council, along with a special voting power known as
the "right to veto". It was agreed by the drafters that if any one
of the five permanent members cast a negative vote in the 15-
member Security Council, the resolution or decision would not
be approved.
All five permanent members have exercised the right of veto at
one time or another. If a permanent member does not fully
agree with a proposed resolution but does notwish to cast a
veto, it may choose to abstain, thus allowing the resolution to
be adopted if it obtains the required number of nine favourable
votes.
http://www.unsystem.org/members/specialized-
agencies
https://www.unsceb.org/members/related-
organizations
https://www.unsceb.org/members/funds-and-
programmes
https://www.unsceb.org/members
https://www.unsceb.org/content/un
http://www.un.org/en/sc/members/
http://www.icj-cij.org/en
http://www.un.org/en/sections/member-
states/about-un-membership/index.html
http://research.un.org/en/docs/ga/committees
http://www.un.org/en/ecosoc/about/
http://www.un.org/en/sc/about/
https://www.un.org/development/desa/jpo/internati
onal-court-of-justice-icj/
http://www.un.org/en/sections/about-
un/trusteeship-council/
http://www.un.org/en/mainbodies/secretariat/