The United Nations consists of 193 Member States and is the world’s most powerful multilateral forum. Its primary purpose is to maintain international peace and security through the prevention of war and by the settlement of disputes. Other major purposes include developing friendly relations among countries based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, promoting international cooperation in economic, social, cultural, educational and health fields, and helping to realize fundamental human rights, including the right to life and to development.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is the chief executive officer and de facto head of the Organization. The position is non-political and unpaid, and its duration is five years. It is currently held by Antonio Guterres, who was sworn in for his second term in 2022. The International Court of Justice, headquartered in The Hague, has two main functions: to settle disputes submitted to it according to international law and to provide advisory opinions on legal questions. It has 15 judges. Appeals are not permitted, and its judgments are binding on all parties.
The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Its meetings are open to all members, and many heads of state attend and address the Assembly. Decisions on certain important matters, such as peace and security, the admission of new States, and budgetary issues, require a two-thirds majority vote. The Assembly elects a President for each session.
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