United Nations

The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945, with headquarters in New York City and major offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi. Its membership comprises the large majority of the world's sovereign states, which participate through the General Assembly and other bodies. The UN was established to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote cooperation on economic, social, and humanitarian issues. Its principal organs include the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Secretariat led by the Secretary-General, the International Court of Justice, and the Economic and Social Council, alongside specialized agencies and programs. The Security Council can authorize measures relating to peace and security. The UN acts within its Charter and depends on member states to implement many of its decisions.