Why was the United Nations created?

The United Nations was founded on 24 October 1945 by 51 Nations. Today, 193 countries are part of the UN. These countries have decided to accept the fundamental principles of international relations contained in the UN Statute.

The UN performs four functions:

• maintain international peace and security
• develop friendly relations between nations
• cooperate in resolving international problems and promoting respect for human rights
• represent a center for the harmonization of different national initiatives

The UN is not a world government and does not make 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 visions 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.