Lesson 5

Objectives

Review history behind creation of UN. Identify goals of the UN. Examine structure and function of UN

organs. Discuss role and effectiveness of UN.

Warm Up

What are the 2 categories of international organizations? Provide an example of each.

International Cooperation 1 minute share

OriginsMembersPurpose

IGOs Regional IGOs NGOs

Others?

UN – 1945 – Keep post WW2 peace

192 members

Internatl peace & security, improved standard of living

United Nations

Helps stabilize international relations and monitor global events.

History Post WWI- League of Nations Post WWII- Yalta Conference

Oct 24, 1945- 50 charter nations

General UN Membership 192 member states

NYC: “Sessions” Sept-Dec

Pay dues2010-11 Budget ($5.16 b) Peacekeeping costs different

($8 b)

Send troops for UN activities

Goals of the U.N. Maintain international

peace & security Put down threats to

peace & aggressive acts Promote respect for

international law Protect human rights and

freedoms Encourage social and

economic progress

Activity: Structure of the UN Identify the purpose,

membership structure, and powers of the following branches:

General Assembly Security Council Secretariat Economic and Social

Council Court of Justice

Ban Ki-moon: S. Koreahttp://www.un.org/en/

General Assembly Purpose: Open, deliberative forum

Membership: All member nations (192) 1 vote per delegation 2/3rd vote to pass resolutions/mandates

Function/Powers: Elect members of other organs, Debate issues and make (non-binding) recommendations Approve budget and spending Suspend or revoke membership

Security Council Purpose: Maintain peace and security

Membership: 5 permanent members (China, France, Britain, US,

Russia), 10 non-perm members (2 yr terms)9/15 votes to take action, including all 5 perm

Function/Powers:Investigate and mediate disputes (binding decisions)Apply political and economic sanctionsTake military action when necessary

Secretariat Purpose: Carry out daily operations

Membership: Secretary General (Ban Ki-moon) – 5 yr~50K+ workers in various agencies and offices

(NYC main)

Function/Powers:Administer programs and policiesCreate press releases

Econ and Social Council Purpose: Promote higher standard of living,

econ and social progress

Membership: 54 members- regional representation3 year terms1 vote per nation

Function/Powers:Formulate policyDiscuss & Initiate studies concerning econ/soc issuesCall international summits (mtgs)

Internatl Court of Justice Purpose: Settle disputes of internatl law

Membership: 15 Justices (independent once elected)9 year termsPeace Palace (The Hague, Amsterdam)

Function/Powers:Nations submitting disputes agree to decisionsAdvise organs on legal questions

Trusteeship Council

Purpose: Oversee “trust territories” (11 nations w/out govt following WW2)

Membership: 5 Perm Security Nations

Function: None, all territories est self-govt eventually

Issues and Controversies

No real power, non-binding

No army National sovereignty Imbalance of power Inefficiency Underfunding

Millenium Dvpt Goals

Adopted 2000 – Achieved 2015?

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/tedxchange/Pages/tedxchange-video-gallery.aspx#video=/speeches-commentary/Pages/melinda-gates-talk-2010-tedxchange.aspx&pager=0&filter=&autostart=true

Closure

What are the goals of the UN? Is the UN successful?

Homework – A Block

Read article “The U.N.: A Love-Hate Affair” http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/features/

index.asp?article=f092010_UN

Wiki Post: Is the United Nations obsolete? What role

should it play and what powers should it have in our new world.

Homework – C Block View TedTalk on Slide 16 and read the article

“The U.N.: A Love-Hate Affair.” Incorporate both into your wiki post response!

http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/features/index.asp?article=f092010_UN

Wiki Post: Is the United Nations obsolete? What role should

it play and what powers should it have in our new world.