U N I T E D N A T I O N S O R G A N I S A T I O N United Nations (UN), international organization of countries created to promote world peace and cooperation. The UN was founded after World War II ended in Its mission is to maintain world peace, develop good relations between countries, promote cooperation in solving the worlds problems, and encourage respect for human rights.

United Nations Headquarters In 1945 the United States Congress invited the United Nations (UN) to establish its permanent headquarters in the United States. Completed in 1952, the UN complex sits in Manhattan, alongside the East River, in the city of New York. Under the UNs agreement with the United States, the site of the UN headquarters is exempt from local laws.

UN General Assembly The General Assembly of the United Nations, seen here in session, is made up of representatives of all member countries of the UN. Functioning as a global town hall, the Assembly may address any matter covered by the UNs charter. However, because it has no authority to enforce its decisions, the Assemblys resolutions are not legally binding.

The Security Council is the most powerful body in the United Nations (UN). Its 15 members determine how the UN should resolve world conflicts, and it is the only UN body that can order enforcement action in the event of aggression. The Councils five permanent membersBritain, China, France, Russia, and the United Stateshave the most power because any one of them can veto a Council decision.

The United Nations International Court of Justice, sometimes referred to as the World Court, has headquarters in the Peace Palace of The Hague, Netherlands. Established in 1945, the court addresses international disputes and provides advisory opinions on legal questions arising under international law.

UNO at work.