The United Nations (UN) has several specialized agencies, programs, and funds, each with specific

competences. Here are the main UN organizations and their areas of expertise:

1. Principal Organs of the UN

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) – Main deliberative body of the UN, where all member states
participate.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – Responsible for international peace and security, authorizing
peacekeeping missions and sanctions.

United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – Coordinates the UN’s economic, social, and
humanitarian work.

International Court of Justice (ICJ) – Handles disputes between states and gives legal opinions.

United Nations Secretariat – Led by the Secretary-General, it carries out administrative work of the UN.

2. Specialized Agencies (Independent, but Coordinated by the UN)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – Works on global food security and agricultural development.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – Regulates international air transport.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – Provides financial support for rural
development and poverty reduction.

International Labour Organization (ILO) – Sets international labor standards and promotes workers'
rights.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) – Regulates global shipping and maritime safety.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) – Supports global financial stability, monetary cooperation, and
economic development.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – Governs global radio and telecommunications standards.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – Promotes global education,
science, and cultural preservation.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) – Supports industrialization and economic
development.

World Bank Group (WB) – Provides financial and technical assistance for economic development
projects.

World Health Organization (WHO) – Leads global public health efforts.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – Administers international treaties on intellectual

3. UN Programs and Funds (Under the UN General Assembly)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Works on poverty reduction, governance, and
sustainable development.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) – Focuses on children's rights, education, and health.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Promotes environmental protection and

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Provides aid and protection to refugees and
displaced people.

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) – Works on sustainable urban

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Addresses crime prevention, drug control, and
counterterrorism.

World Food Programme (WFP) – Provides food aid to combat hunger.

4. UN Human Rights and Humanitarian Bodies

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – Promotes and protects human rights
globally.

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) – Coordinates global
emergency response.

The United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies are focused on addressing global challenges
through ambitious future goals aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and beyond.
Their priorities include:

1. Peace, Security, and Human Rights

The UN Security Council (UNSC) and UN Peacekeeping aim to prevent conflicts, strengthen diplomatic
resolutions, and enhance global peacekeeping operations. The Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights (OHCHR) will continue advocating for human rights protections, combating
discrimination, and strengthening international justice.

2. Sustainable Development and Climate Action

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNEP are driving sustainable economic
growth, promoting clean energy, and enhancing climate resilience. The Paris Agreement commitments
will guide the UN’s push toward carbon neutrality, ecosystem restoration, and the mitigation of climate
change effects.

3. Health and Global Well-being

The World Health Organization (WHO) will work toward universal healthcare access, strengthening
pandemic preparedness, and tackling non-communicable diseases. The Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) aim to eliminate hunger and malnutrition
through food security programs and agricultural innovations.

4. Economic Growth and Digital Innovation

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank will support economic stability, sustainable
investments, and financial inclusion for developing nations. The International Telecommunication Union
(ITU) will expand digital connectivity and cybersecurity frameworks to bridge the digital divide.

5. Education, Gender Equality, and Social Inclusion

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is pushing for inclusive,
quality education and digital literacy for all. UN Women will continue its fight for gender equality,
empowering women economically and politically worldwide.

6. Refugee Protection and Humanitarian Aid

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will work to provide stronger responses to displacement
crises, climate refugees, and global humanitarian challenges.
REFORMS

Yes, the UN has made several reform efforts over the years, but progress has been slow due to political
complexities. Some notable reform initiatives include:

1. Security Council Reform (Ongoing)

Calls for expanding permanent membership to include emerging powers like India, Brazil, Germany, and
Japan (G4 countries).

Proposals to limit the veto power of the five permanent members (P5).

5. Financial and Bureaucratic Reform

UN management reforms were launched in 2017 to make operations more transparent and efficient.

6. Cybersecurity and AI Governance (Emerging)

Discussions on creating global AI regulations and cybersecurity norms under the UN framework.

UN-led initiatives like the "Global Digital Compact" aim to set international rules on technology and
digital rights.

Case studies on UN initiatives:

Education Plus Initiative (2021–2025), a joint endeavor by UNAIDS, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UN
Women. This initiative focuses on empowering adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa
by ensuring access to quality education and addressing factors contributing to HIV infections. Since its
launch, 13 African countries have become champion nations, implementing policies that keep girls in
secondary school, thereby reducing their vulnerability to HIV and other challenges.

In January 2025, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett launched the
Displacement Film Fund, a new initiative aimed at supporting refugee filmmakers. The fund offers grants
of up to €100,000 to five filmmakers for creating short films that focus on the experiences of displaced
individuals. This project seeks to amplify refugee voices and provide them with a platform to share their
stories with a broader audience. The selected filmmakers will be announced at the Cannes Film Festival
in May 2025

Public Perception and Influence of UN Organizations

1. General Public Perception

 Positive Views:

o The UN is widely recognized for humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and sustainable

o Many appreciate UN initiatives in climate action, human rights, and refugee protection.
  Criticism and Challenges:

o Some view the UN as bureaucratic, slow, and politically constrained due to the power
dynamics in the Security Council.

o Skepticism exists regarding the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions, especially in

2. Influence of UN Organizations

A. Political and Diplomatic Influence

 The UN Security Council (UNSC) plays a critical role in international diplomacy, imposing
sanctions and authorizing peacekeeping missions.

 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) influences global legal frameworks but lacks strong
enforcement mechanisms.

C. Humanitarian and Developmental Influence

 UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR: Highly respected for delivering aid in crises, providing food assistance,
and supporting refugees.

 WHO: Instrumental in global health initiatives, such as the COVID-19 response and vaccine
distribution. However, some governments criticized its handling of the pandemic for being slow
and politically influenced.

D. Environmental and Scientific Influence

 UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme): A key player in global climate action, driving
initiatives like the Paris Agreement and promoting sustainability.

 UNESCO: Preserves cultural heritage, promotes education, and influences global education
policies.
Conclusion for a Study on UN Organizations

The United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies play a crucial role in addressing global challenges,
from conflict resolution and human rights protection to sustainable development and humanitarian aid.
Over the decades, these organizations have significantly influenced international policies, economic
development, and environmental action. However, their effectiveness is often shaped by political,
structural, and financial constraints.

Despite strong public support for UN-led humanitarian efforts, criticisms regarding bureaucratic
inefficiencies, lack of enforcement power, and political influence in decision-making persist. The UN
Security Council’s structure, peacekeeping missions, and international financial policies remain key
areas of debate, particularly concerning their responsiveness to crises.

Looking ahead, the UN must focus on modernizing its governance, increasing transparency, and
strengthening enforcement mechanisms to remain effective in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Key
priorities should include enhancing digital diplomacy, addressing climate change, promoting inclusive
economic development, and adapting to new security threats such as cyber warfare.

Ultimately, the UN’s ability to reform and adapt will determine its future relevance and impact on
global governance, ensuring that it continues to serve as a pillar of international cooperation and peace.

DISCUSSION

How effective are UN organizations in preventing conflicts and maintaining global peace?

The UN has played a pivotal role in conflict prevention and peacekeeping, with notable successes in
regions like Sierra Leone, Liberia, and East Timor. However, its effectiveness is limited by political
constraints and the veto power of the five permanent members (P5) of the Security Council. In cases like
Syria and Ukraine, the UN has struggled to act decisively due to geopolitical divisions.

What are the competences of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?

The UN Security Council (UNSC) is the most powerful body of the United Nations, responsible for
maintaining international peace and security. It has the authority to make binding decisions that
member states must follow.

The five permanent members have veto power, meaning they can block any resolution, even if all other
members support it. These members reflect the major World War II victors:

 🇺🇸 United States

 🇷🇺 Russia

 🇨🇳 China

 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

 🇫🇷 France
Non-Permanent Members

 10 rotating members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.

 Seats are distributed regionally to ensure global representation.

 They do not have veto power but can vote on resolutions.

What reforms could improve transparency and efficiency within UN organizations?

 Reducing bureaucracy by streamlining administrative processes.

 Increasing accountability in budget spending (e.g., preventing corruption in aid distribution).

 Enhancing decision-making speed by limiting procedural delays in crisis responses.

Should the UN have more authority to intervene in countries violating human rights?

 If the UN had stronger enforcement powers, it could prevent atrocities.

 However, national sovereignty concerns make this politically sensitive.

 A balanced approach would be to strengthen international courts and regional accountability

How should the UN adapt to emerging global challenges, such as cyber threats and AI governance?

 Creating international treaties on cybersecurity to prevent cyber warfare.

 Establishing AI ethics guidelines to regulate the impact of AI on global security and jobs.