History of the UN
The UN brings together states, social movements, and a variety of programs dedicated to solving the vital problems of our planet. And each of us can help preserve it.
The name United Nations was coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was first used on January 1, 1942, in the Declaration of Nations when, during World War II, representatives of 26 nations pledged on behalf of their governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Power.
The first international organizations were established to cooperate on specific matters.The current International Telecommunication Union was founded in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union; the Universal Postal Union was established in 1874. Both are now United Nations specialized agencies.
In 1899, the first International Peace Conference was convened in The Hague to elaborate instruments for settling crises peacefully, preventing wars and codifying rules of warfare. It adopted the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes and established the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which began its work in 1902.
The predecessor of the United Nations was the League of Nations, an organization conceived under similar circumstances during World War I and established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles "to promote cooperation among nations and to secure peace and security.
The International Labor Organization was also created by the Treaty of Versailles as an associated institution of the League. The League of Nations ceased to function as a result of its failure to prevent World War II.
In 1945, delegates of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draft the UN Charter. Delegates based their work on proposals made by representatives of Great Britain, China, the Soviet Union, and the United States at Dumbarton Oaks in August-October 1944.
The Charter was signed on June 26, 1945, by representatives of 50 countries. Poland, not represented at the Conference, signed it later and became the 51st founding state.
The United Nations came officially into existence on October 24, 1945, by which date the Charter had been ratified by China, France, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, the United States, and a majority of the other signatory states. The twenty-fourth of October is celebrated annually as United Nations Day.
The United Nations is a unique international organization. It was founded after World War II by representatives of 51 countries who were committed to maintaining world peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress,improving living conditions and human rights.
Source: http://www.un.org/
