Founded after World War II, the United Nations is an international organization of sovereign States which serves as a forum for international cooperation and acts as a central point for global policymaking. Its primary objectives are to maintain world peace and security; develop friendly relations among countries based on respect for the principles of equality of nations and of the equal rights of their inhabitants; and achieve universal cooperation in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems.
To these ends, the UN has several principal organs. The General Assembly is the main deliberative and policymaking body with universal representation. The Security Council is the principal organ to ensure the maintenance of international peace and security. Its permanent members have veto power. Ten other members are elected to non-permanent membership by the General Assembly, with due regard being given to the contribution of each member to the maintenance of peace and security, as well as to equitable geographical distribution.
The International Court of Justice, located in the Netherlands, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between Member States in accordance with the principles of international law and gives advisory opinions on matters referred to it by the UN’s specialized agencies.
The chief executive officer of the United Nations is the Secretary-General, who serves a five-year term and is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. The current Secretary-General is Antonio Guterres of Portugal.