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Peace, dignity and equality
on a healthy planet


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Social Development


ADVANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE

A growing movement advocates for social justice as the guiding principle for all
policies, arguing it enables cohesive societies and economies. But persisting
injustices, insecurity, inequality, and crises threaten progress made. Proposals
to advance social justice include improved governance of work; lifelong
learning; fairer labour market outcomes; and extended social protections. A
special concert at the UN in Geneva on 15 February, marking the World Day of
Social Justice will amplify messages of justice and social change through the
power of music. 

The Rana Plaza collapse and other industrial accidents suffered by Bangladesh
brought home the urgent need to establish a culture of workplace safety in the
country’s garment industry and beyond.
Photo:© ILO


GAZA: RAFAH INVASION WOULD BE A DISASTER ‘BEYOND IMAGINATION’, WARN UN MEDICS



14 February 2024 — UN medics said on Wednesday that they feared a humanitarian
disaster “beyond imagination” if a full-scale incursion by the Israeli military
happens in Rafah in southern Gaza....


CIVILIANS SUFFER AS ‘PERFECT STORM’ OF WAR, DISEASE AND DISPLACEMENT GRIPS SUDAN



13 February 2024 — Civilians continue to bear the brunt as the war between rival
militaries in Sudan spreads into new areas, driving displacement and hunger
while exposing communities to deadly...


GAZANS ‘ANXIOUS AND LIVING IN FEAR’ OF ISRAELI ASSAULT ON RAFAH, WARNS TOP UN
AID OFFICIAL



13 February 2024 — As international efforts continue to secure a ceasefire in
Gaza, the head of UNRWA, the UN aid agency for Palestinians, warned on Tuesday
that those in the enclave remain deeply...


UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS




17 GOALS TO TRANSFORM OUR WORLD

The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries — poor,
rich and middle-income — to promote prosperity while protecting the planet.



STUDENT RESOURCES ON THE SDGS

Learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals! On our student resources
page you will find plenty of materials for young people and adults alike. Share
with your family and friends to help achieve a better world for all.

SDG BOOK CLUB

Reading and learning are essential to children’s growth and development; stories
can fuel their imagination and raise awareness of new possibilities. The SDG
Book Club aims to encourage them to learn about the Goals in a fun, engaging
way, empowering them to make a difference.



ACTNOW CAMPAIGN

ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the
Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs can improve life for all of us and
everyone can join the global movement for change. To log your actions, download
the app.

GOAL OF THE MONTH

 

GOAL 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.




More about the UN Sustainable Development Goals


MORE FROM THE
UNITED NATIONS

Featured stories from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of
agencies, funds, and programmes.

WFP, Humanitarian Aid

HUNGER'S BORDER: WHY AID TRUCKS BRINGING FOOD INTO GAZA FACE LONG WAITS

The World Food Programme's (WFP) supply chain is facing bottlenecks at the Rafah
crossing in Egypt, which is hindering its efforts to assist in Gaza. The border
checks on the Gaza side have created bottlenecks, causing truck drivers to wait
for days on end. Only two border crossings into Gaza are open, both on the
Egyptian side. The needs in Gaza are enormous, and the entire population is
acutely food insecure. Over half a million people face the most extreme stage of
hunger. Suzanne Fenton, head of communications for WFP's supply chain division,
tells us about her experience of being part of a convoy of trucks trying to
deliver food to the Gaza Strip.

UNESCO, Women and Gender Equality, Science and Technology

WOMEN IN SCIENCE: LEADING THE WAY TO CHANGE THE GLOBAL CLIMATE CRISIS

Climate change pushes 158 million women and girls into poverty, making them more
vulnerable to gender-based violence and less likely to access necessary
resources. Women are underrepresented in decision-making positions at all
levels, including in the field of climate change. A paradigm change is needed to
ensure that women are in the driving seat of climate action. On the occasion of
the International Day of Women in Multilateralism (25 January), UNESCO organized
a global dialogue that became a platform for leaders, scientists, and activists
to highlight the vital link between climate change and gender inequality.

OHCHR, Migrants

RELATIVES SEEK ANSWERS AND JUSTICE FOR DISAPPEARED MIGRANTS

Every year, thousands of migrants are killed or disappear while attempting the
perilous journey to the U.S.-Mexico border, making it one of the world's
riskiest and deadliest land routes for migrants, human rights groups say. Many
are forced to migrate to escape poverty, violence and human rights abuses. Faced
with increasingly restrictive migration policies and limited opportunities for
safe and regular migration, many resort to unsafe and irregular routes. UN Human
Rights works with Member States, civil society organizations, national human
rights institutions, migrants, families and other stakeholders to ensure access
to justice and the protection of the human rights of all migrants.

Trade and Commerce, UNCTAD

GLOBAL TRADE DISRUPTIONS

UNCTAD has raised profound concerns over escalating disruptions to global trade,
citing recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea, geopolitical tensions impacting
shipping in the Black Sea, and the effects of climate change on the Panama
Canal.

Health Interventions, UNFPA

HEROES IN PINK

Aspy Kamsing, eagerly anticipates graduation as she looks forward to pursuing
her passion for midwifery, amid a rising demand for trained midwives in Laos
underscored by UNFPA's acknowledgment of a shortage of nearly 1 million midwives
globally.

Agriculture and Food, FAO

PULSES AND SOILS: A DYNAMIC DUO

Pulses, have the potential to revolutionize agrifood systems by enhancing food
security, nutrition, and soil health as emphasized by FAO on World Pulses Day,
February 10th.

Displaced Persons and Refugees

SYRIA: FROM ORPHANS TO EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

Following the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes, the number of child-headed
households surged, prompting initiatives like AHF's family reunion programme to
address the needs of these vulnerable households. 

More from the United Nations


WHAT WE DO



Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character,
the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the
21st century, including:

 * Maintain international peace and security
 * Protect human rights
 * Deliver humanitarian aid
 * Promote sustainable development
 * Uphold international law



DELIVER HUMANITARIAN AID

One of the purposes of the United Nations, as stated in its Charter, is "to
achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an
economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character."  The UN first did this
in the aftermath of the Second World War on the devastated continent of Europe,
which it helped to rebuild.  The Organization is now relied upon by the
international community to coordinate humanitarian relief operations due to
natural and man-made disasters in areas beyond the relief capacity of national
authorities alone.

PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

From the start in 1945, one of the main priorities of the United Nations was to
“achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an
economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character and in promoting and
encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all
without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.”  Improving people’s
well-being continues to be one of the main focuses of the UN. The global
understanding of development has changed over the years, and countries now have
agreed that sustainable development offers the best path forward for improving
the lives of people everywhere.

UPHOLD INTERNATIONAL LAW

The UN Charter, in its Preamble, set an objective: "to establish conditions
under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and
other sources of international law can be maintained."  Ever since, the
development of, and respect for international law has been a key part of the
work of the Organization.  This work is carried out in many ways - by courts,
tribunals, multilateral treaties - and by the Security Council, which can
approve peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions, or authorize the use of force
when there is a threat to international peace and security, if it deems this
necessary.  These powers are given to it by the UN Charter, which is considered
an international treaty.  As such, it is an instrument of international law, and
UN Member States are bound by it.  The UN Charter codifies the major principles
of international relations, from sovereign equality of States to the prohibition
of the use of force in international relations.

MAINTAIN INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY

The United Nations came into being in 1945, following the devastation of the
Second World War, with one central mission: the maintenance of international
peace and security. The UN does this by working to prevent conflict; helping
parties in conflict make peace; peacekeeping; and creating the conditions to
allow peace to hold and flourish. These activities often overlap and should
reinforce one another, to be effective. The UN Security Council has the primary
responsibility for international peace and security. The General Assembly and
the Secretary-General play major, important, and complementary roles, along with
other UN offices and bodies.

PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS

The term “human rights” was mentioned seven times in the UN's founding Charter,
making the promotion and protection of human rights a key purpose and guiding
principle of the Organization.  In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights brought human rights into the realm of international law.  Since then,
the Organization has diligently protected human rights through legal instruments
and on-the-ground activities.

DELIVER HUMANITARIAN AID

One of the purposes of the United Nations, as stated in its Charter, is "to
achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an
economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character."  The UN first did this
in the aftermath of the Second World War on the devastated continent of Europe,
which it helped to rebuild.  The Organization is now relied upon by the
international community to coordinate humanitarian relief operations due to
natural and man-made disasters in areas beyond the relief capacity of national
authorities alone.

PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

From the start in 1945, one of the main priorities of the United Nations was to
“achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an
economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character and in promoting and
encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all
without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.”  Improving people’s
well-being continues to be one of the main focuses of the UN. The global
understanding of development has changed over the years, and countries now have
agreed that sustainable development offers the best path forward for improving
the lives of people everywhere.

UPHOLD INTERNATIONAL LAW

The UN Charter, in its Preamble, set an objective: "to establish conditions
under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and
other sources of international law can be maintained."  Ever since, the
development of, and respect for international law has been a key part of the
work of the Organization.  This work is carried out in many ways - by courts,
tribunals, multilateral treaties - and by the Security Council, which can
approve peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions, or authorize the use of force
when there is a threat to international peace and security, if it deems this
necessary.  These powers are given to it by the UN Charter, which is considered
an international treaty.  As such, it is an instrument of international law, and
UN Member States are bound by it.  The UN Charter codifies the major principles
of international relations, from sovereign equality of States to the prohibition
of the use of force in international relations.

MAINTAIN INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY

The United Nations came into being in 1945, following the devastation of the
Second World War, with one central mission: the maintenance of international
peace and security. The UN does this by working to prevent conflict; helping
parties in conflict make peace; peacekeeping; and creating the conditions to
allow peace to hold and flourish. These activities often overlap and should
reinforce one another, to be effective. The UN Security Council has the primary
responsibility for international peace and security. The General Assembly and
the Secretary-General play major, important, and complementary roles, along with
other UN offices and bodies.

PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS

The term “human rights” was mentioned seven times in the UN's founding Charter,
making the promotion and protection of human rights a key purpose and guiding
principle of the Organization.  In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights brought human rights into the realm of international law.  Since then,
the Organization has diligently protected human rights through legal instruments
and on-the-ground activities.

DELIVER HUMANITARIAN AID

One of the purposes of the United Nations, as stated in its Charter, is "to
achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an
economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character."  The UN first did this
in the aftermath of the Second World War on the devastated continent of Europe,
which it helped to rebuild.  The Organization is now relied upon by the
international community to coordinate humanitarian relief operations due to
natural and man-made disasters in areas beyond the relief capacity of national
authorities alone.

prevnext



STRUCTURE OF THE
UNITED NATIONS



The main parts of the UN structure 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.

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.

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.

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 and
independence.

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).

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.

More about the structure of the United Nations


LEARN MORE



CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is the defining issue of our time and now is the defining moment
to do something about it. There is still time to tackle climate change, but it
will require an unprecedented effort from all sectors of society.

GENDER EQUALITY

Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also
half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right,
is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and
sustainable development.



ENDING POVERTY

While global poverty rates have been cut by more than half since 2000, one in
ten people in developing regions still lives on less than US$1.90 a day — the
internationally agreed poverty line, and millions of others live on slightly
more than this daily amount.

OUR COMMON AGENDA

Following up on a pledge made by UN Member States at the UN’s 75th anniversary,
the report Our Common Agenda looks ahead to the next 25 years and represents the
Secretary-General’s vision on the future of global cooperation. It calls for
inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism to better respond to
humanity’s most pressing challenges.






DID YOU KNOW?



As the world’s only truly universal global organization, the United Nations has
become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries
and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone.



DESPITE THE PROGRESS MADE, AIDS CLAIMED A LIFE EVERY MINUTE IN 2022.



Find out more in

GLOBAL ISSUES:
AIDS

WITH 61 PERCENT, RWANDA HAS THE HIGHEST PROPORTION OF WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS IN
THE WORLD.



Find out more in 

GLOBAL ISSUES:
AFRICA



FRANCE AND SLOVAKIA GET MORE THAN HALF OF THEIR ELECTRICITY FROM NUCLEAR POWER.



Find out more in

GLOBAL ISSUES:
ATOMIC ENERGY



DATA FROM GPS DEVICES CAN BE USED FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL AND TO IMPROVE PUBLIC
TRANSPORT.



Find out more in

GLOBAL ISSUES:
BIG DATA FOR THE SDGS





WATCH AND LISTEN



Video and audio from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of
agencies, funds, and programmes.



HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR 2024 (YEAR OF THE DRAGON) - ANTONIO GUTERRES (UNITED
NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL)

"This year, the celebration at the United Nations is special: for the first
time, the Lunar New Year is part of the UN holiday calendar. I thank China and
the Chinese people for your unwavering support to the United Nations,
multilateralism and global progress." - Antonio Guterres

DIGITAL THERAPY FOR TÜRKIYE AND SYRIA EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

Peace Therapist is the first online platform in Türkiye to also provide therapy
in people's native languages, founded by Jin Dawod, a former Syrian refugee. 

IAEA LAUNCHES ANTARCTICA MICROPLASTICS RESEARCH

The International Atomic Energy Agency launched its first scientific research
expedition to investigate the presence of microplastics in Antarctica as part of
efforts to combat this growing environmental problem, even in the planet’s most
remote areas.


UN PODCASTS



WHAT IS A GENDER-RESPONSIVE AND AGE-SENSITIVE SOCIAL PROTECTION?

Gender and age are significant factors that affect how people perceive risks,
vulnerabilities, and opportunities. Life events such as marriage, childbearing,
or retirement often put women and girls at a higher risk of poverty. Providing
social protection, such as health insurance or cash transfers, can help reduce
poverty and vulnerability, and support people from childhood to old age. In this
podcast, three UNICEF officers: Ramya Subrahmanian, Nyasha Tirivayi, and Lauren
Whitehead discuss Gender-Responsive and Age-Sensitive Social Protection.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Latest Audio from UN News
More live and on-demand videos from the UN


THE UNITED NATIONS IN PICTURES



Images from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of agencies,
funds, and programmes.



Photo:Christina Nwabugo

Survivors of FGM in Kenya: the practice must be stopped

More than 200 million girls and women today are survivors of female genital
mutilation, a procedure that involves the partial or total removal of the
external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for no
medical reason. Female genital mutilation was outlawed in Kenya in 2011. While
it's vital that the practice is banned, women- and survivor-led movements like
Women Rising are key to driving real change. This community initiative includes
a forum for mothers who have endured the practice and their daughters who will
be spared.

Photo:WFP / bubakar Garelnabei.

Hunger grows and hopes fade in war-torn Sudan

Awad Adam and his wife Nafisa have been on the move since war broke out in Sudan
last April. Today, they are among more than 10 million people uprooted from
their homes in the world's largest displacement crisis. The World Food Programme
(WFP) is working with other humanitarian agencies to respond to the escalating
needs. Over the past year, WFP’s assistance has reached some 6.5 million people
inside Sudan, as well as many others who have fled to neighboring countries. But
needs are skyrocketing. Nationwide, nearly 18 million people face extreme food
insecurity. Those trapped in conflict zones face the highest levels of hunger.
Reaching them is becoming almost impossible due to security threats, roadblocks
and other challenges. Without unfettered access, WFP warns of a looming hunger
catastrophe.

See more UN photos

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