The United Nations system is a global network of interconnected agencies that work to make the world safer and more secure. It consists of the six principal organs and other institutions established by the founding Charter: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council and the International Court of Justice. Its headquarters in New York City is home to more than 150 interrelated offices and agencies that work around the world.
The goals of the United Nations are: maintaining international peace and security; developing friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principles of equal rights and self-determination of peoples; promoting social progress and better standards of living; eradicating disease, hunger and poverty; improving education; increasing world food production; providing disaster relief; and supporting sustainable development. In addition, the United Nations serves as a forum for its Member States to express their views on international issues and to harmonize their actions towards these common goals.
In order to carry out its responsibilities, the UN is divided into main committees and subsidiary bodies. The main committees meet in intensive session at the outset of each regular session of the General Assembly and select a chairman, three vice-chairmen and a rapporteur for the session. Each member state has one vote in the decision-making process. The United Nations also has a Credentials Committee, which is charged with verifying the credentials of all member states before they can participate in the proceedings of the General Assembly.
