Why was the United Nations created?

The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, by 51 nations. Today, 193 countries are members of the UN, having decided to accept the fundamental principles of international relations enshrined in the UN Charter.

The UN performs four functions:

• maintaining international peace and security
• developing friendly relations among nations
• cooperating in the resolution of international problems and in the promotion of respect for human rights
• serve as a center for the harmonization of different national initiatives

The UN is not a world government and does not enact laws, but it provides the means to help resolve international conflicts and formulates appropriate policies on issues of common interest. All Member States—large and small, rich and poor, with different political views and different social systems—make their voices heard and vote to shape the policies of the international community

Click here to learn more about the history of this important organization