Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about World Organisations from Class 10 Social Science. In this chapter, we will explore the establishment of the United Nations, its objectives, its principal organs, its achievements, its specialized agencies, and the concept of regional cooperation. Note this for your exams, as this chapter covers crucial international institutions. Let us begin with the establishment of the United Nations. The 20th century witnessed two devastating global wars. After the First World War, the League of Nations was established to maintain peace, but it ultimately failed. As the Second World War began in 1939, serious efforts were made to establish another world organization to secure lasting peace. Leaders like Winston Churchill of England, Joseph Stalin of Russia, and Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States of America decided to create a new global organization. The term United Nations was coined by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was used for the first time in the declaration of the conference held for the establishment of the United Nations by 26 countries, which participated in the conference on 1 January 1942. The United Nations as the world organization came into existence on 24 October 1945. At present, there are 193 member nations in the United Nations. Its headquarters is located in New York City of the United States of America. Membership is open to all peace loving countries. India is one of the founding members of the United Nations. [CHECKPOINT]
Now let us move on to the aims and objectives of the United Nations. The Charter of the United Nations is its basic document, which contains 111 articles divided into 19 chapters. The Preamble of the United Nations Charter starts as follows: We the people of the United Nations. The objectives of the United Nations are exactly as follows. First, to maintain international peace and security. Second, to develop friendly relations among nations. Third, to establish faith in fundamental human rights. Fourth, to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character. Fifth, to establish justice and respect for international obligation. And sixth, to function as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations. Please remember these six objectives carefully for your examinations. [CHECKPOINT]
Next, we will study the organs and functions of the United Nations. The United Nations Charter has provided for six principal organs. These are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. Let us examine each one in detail. First is the General Assembly. This is the general body consisting of all the members of the United Nations. Each member country can send 5 members but has only a single vote. The Assembly at its first session elects a President for a term of 1 year. It also elects 17 vice Presidents and 7 Chairmen for the 7 standing Committees. The session of the General Assembly normally commences in September and lasts until mid December. A two third majority of members presence and voting is required on all important matters. The annual budget is to be approved by the General Assembly. Emergency meetings of the Assembly may be summoned to discuss urgent issues. It is playing a prominent role in almost all global issues as a World Parliament. [CHECKPOINT]
Second is the Security Council. This is the most powerful organ and executive or cabinet of the United Nations. It consists of 15 members, out of which 5 nations, namely the United States of America, Russia, Britain, France, and China, are the permanent members, and the others are non permanent members. The non permanent 10 members are elected for a term of 2 years by the General Assembly. These members represent various geographical regions. Each member has one vote. The permanent members enjoy veto power, while the non permanent members do not enjoy veto power. India desires to have a permanent membership of this organ. The Security Council is primarily aiming at solving international disputes through peaceful means. If there is a necessity, it may direct the International Peace Keeping Force for international peace and security. It elects the judges of the International Court of Justice and recommends the name for the post of the Secretary General of the United Nations. [CHECKPOINT]
Third is the Economic and Social Council. This Council consists of 54 members elected by the General Assembly. 18 members of this Council shall be elected each year for a term of 3 years. The Council elects a President among its members. The main functions of the Economic and Social Council are as follows. First, to study and report about international economic, social, cultural, educational, health and related matters. Second, a number of issues such as the status of refugees, women and housing issues come under the purview of this board. Third, it makes recommendations for the observance of human rights and fundamental freedom. Fourth, it can conduct international conferences pertaining to human resources, culture, education and related fields. Fifth, the Council coordinates the work of specialized agencies like the International Labour Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization. [CHECKPOINT]
Fourth is the Trusteeship Council. The Trusteeship Council is a committee set up to look after the colonial territories during their transition period. The Trusteeship Council is also called the Board of Trustees. The total 11 areas were under the administration of the Trusteeship Council. Now all these regions became independent and got self government. The Republic of Palau, an archipelago, was the last territory under the administration of this Council. With the emergence of Palau as a sovereign republic in 1994, the Trusteeship Council lost its relevance. Today, no geographical area is under the administration of this Council. [CHECKPOINT]
Fifth is the International Court of Justice. It is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, and all members are the parties to the statute of this Court. It consists of 15 judges elected for a term of 9 years and is eligible for re election. Its permanent seat is in the Hague of the Netherlands. It elects its own President and Vice President for a term of 3 years. The Court takes decisions on a majority basis. Along with judgments on international disputes, it gives advisory opinions on any legal question. The decisions of the court are important on moral and ideological forms. But the court does not enjoy any compulsory jurisdiction to countries. In spite of these limitations, the Court has contributed towards international peace and security in its own way. Let me share an important fact for your exams. Benegal Narasinga Rau was the first Indian to be selected as the Judge of the International Court of Justice. He hailed from Mangalore. Nagendra Singh was the first Indian to serve as the president of the International Court of Justice. Raghunandan Swaroop Pathak and Dalveer Bhandari also served as judges of the International Court of Justice. Presently, Dalveer Bhandari is appointed for a second term as a Judge. [CHECKPOINT]
Sixth is the Secretariat. This comprises the Secretary General and Staff of the United Nations. The Secretary General is the Chief Administrative officer of the Organization who is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a term of 5 years. The Secretariat is located at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York, United States of America, having its branches in Geneva, Switzerland, Vienna, Austria, and Nairobi, Kenya. All the day to day administrative work, planning and organization of the United Nations Organization come under its purview. I must also tell you about the official languages of the United Nations. The official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. [CHECKPOINT]
Now let us look at the list of United Nations Secretaries General. First, Trygve Lie from 1946 to 1952, representing Norway. Second, Dag Hammarskjold from 1953 to 1961, representing Sweden. Third, U Thant from 1961 to 1971, representing Burma, whose present name is Myanmar. Fourth, Kurt Waldheim from 1972 to 1981, representing Austria. Fifth, Javier Perez de Cuellar from 1982 to 1991, representing Peru. Sixth, Boutros Boutros Ghali from 1992 to 1996, representing Egypt. Seventh, Kofi Annan from 1997 to 2006, representing Ghana. Eighth, Ban Ki Moon from 2007 to 2016, representing South Korea. Ninth, Antonio Guterres from 2017 onwards, representing Portugal. Additionally, the United Nations has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize three times. In 1961, the then Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold was awarded. In 1988, the award was given for the United Nations Peace Keeping Force. In 2001, it was awarded jointly to Secretary General Kofi Annan and the United Nations. [CHECKPOINT]
Moving forward, we will discuss the achievements of the United Nations. The United Nations is working in its own methods for establishing world peace through solving economic crisis and also solving social and educational problems. The achievements can be listed as follows. First, it resolved Korean conflicts, Suez canal crisis and Vietnam problem. Second, it is continuously working for the solution of Kashmir and Palestine Israel dispute. Third, the United Nations continuously makes efforts towards the goal of disarmament. Fourth, it is trying to solve economic, financial and international trade related problems through the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization. Fifth, it is even trying to eradicate communicable and non communicable diseases through the World Health Organization. Sixth, through the declaration of Universal Human Rights, it is seeking their implementation worldwide. Seventh, it is striving or making efforts to end apartheid, imperialism and colonialism. Eighth, it is striving to prevent ill effects of global warming. [CHECKPOINT]
Next, we will study the specialized agencies of the United Nations. First is the Food and Agriculture Organization. With an intention to fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition all over the world, the Food and Agriculture Organization was started in 1945. Its main organs are the Conference, the Council, and the Director General. It aims at the improvement of agriculture, provision of more nutritious food, liberation of the world population from hunger, and improvement of the living conditions of the rural people. Its headquarters is in Rome, Italy. Second is the World Health Organization. In order to protect and improve health of mankind, the World Health Organization was established in 1948. It strives to eradicate epidemics like Cholera, plague, malaria, small pox and COVID-19. It fights against AIDS, Cancer and similar global level health hazards. The World Health Organization is successful in eradicating small pox from the world. In its agenda there are issues like population explosion, environment protection, hunger and malnutrition. In all these fields the service of the World Health Organization is very significant. Its headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland. [CHECKPOINT]
Third is the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. It was established in 1945 and its headquarters is in Paris. This is a prominent specialized organ mainly dealing with the promotion of science, education, and culture throughout the globe. It aims at the development of technical education, information technology, creative thinking, cultural and environment studies. In the development of knowledge and its dissemination, it works with government and non government institutions all over the world. Fourth is the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. This specialized agency came into existence in the year 1946 to look after the welfare of children especially after the Second World War. Later in 1957 it became a permanent institution. Its main objectives are to provide favourable condition for the development of women and children. It extends assistance to all the needy countries of the world to fulfill these goals. In 1965, this organization won the Nobel Peace Prize. The money collected by selling the greeting cards by this organization is utilized for the welfare of the children. Thus, it is a popular humanitarian organization. [CHECKPOINT]
Fifth is the International Monetary Fund. After the Second World War, with an intention of reconstructing the World Economy and encouraging International Economic Cooperation, two organizations namely the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development were established at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944. The International Monetary Fund became operational after 1947. Its head office is in Washington, United States of America. It tries to solve international economic problems. It strives to promote world trade, economic stability and sound balance of payment situations. This Institution consists of a Board of Governors, Executive Directors and Managing Directors. The functioning of the International Monetary Fund has been widely appreciated for its efficiency and transparency. It may be described as the Central Bank of central banks of different countries. It strives to harmonize the economic relations of advanced and poor nations. [CHECKPOINT]
Sixth is the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. It took birth at the Bretton Woods Conference. It is an important institution belonging to the World Bank Group. This institution started in 1944. Its headquarter is in Washington. This has been established with the aim of economic rejuvenation of the world after the Second World War. It extends huge loan facilities to all the needy member states for the development of agriculture, industry, transport and communication. It helps to promote World trade and balance of payment adjustments. For all the developing nations, the World Bank or International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is extending very useful financial assistance. It consists of a Board of Governors, the Executive Directors and the President. Seventh is the International Labour Organization. The International Labour Organization was established after the First World War as an organ of the League of Nations and later continued as an agency of the United Nations. It is a century old organization. As the very word suggests, this is mainly aiming at the welfare of the working class. Its headquarter is in Geneva, Switzerland. Every member state sends two representatives to its Administrative Council, one from the labour class and another from the management. Issues like social security, protection from health hazards, standard of living of working classes come under the purview of the International Labour Organization. Even the maternity benefits of women labour, minimum wage, housing benefits are also dealt by this organization. Though the decisions are only advisory in nature, member states do respect them. Its general conference is like a Global Parliament of the working place and seeks to protect their interests. This agency got the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969. [CHECKPOINT]
Eighth is the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. This world agency is mainly concerned with the promotion of global level trade and commerce. It strives for smooth international trade by providing technical assistance. It helps to avoid any policy barriers and thereby promote international trade and commerce. Thus, it intends to economic progress of the Family of Nations. Ninth is the World Trade Organization. After the Second World War, to remove obstacles in international trade, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade came into existence on 1 January 1948. It aimed at solving any sort of problems relating to international trade and commerce. In place of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the World Trade Organization came into existence on 1 January 1995. It functions along with the World Bank in formulating policies on international trade and commerce. It helps developing nations to solve some difficulties owing to free trade policy. It can be regarded as the third economic pillar of World Trade and commerce along with the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. [CHECKPOINT]
Now let us turn our attention to Regional Cooperation. In the present day world, we can observe many regional organizations which facilitate mutual understanding and cooperation among the member states. First is the Commonwealth of Nations. This was formerly called the British Commonwealth of Nations and later the word British has been deleted. It started in 1926 and most of the countries including India which got independence voluntarily joined this organization. It is symbolically headed by the British Crown. At present there are 56 countries in the Commonwealth of Nations and its headquarter is in London. Prime Ministers, Finance Ministers and Foreign Ministers of the member nations participate in the meetings of this organization. Upholding of democracy, liberty, assistance to eradicate poverty, promotion of world peace, sports, science, and cultural ties are some of the objectives of the Commonwealth of Nations. This Organization helps to promote friendly ties among the member states. [CHECKPOINT]
Second is the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. In 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation came into existence. It consists of 8 countries, namely India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan. This is mainly aspiring for the promotion of welfare of these member states. The main objectives are the promotion of economic growth, social progress and cultural development through mutual cooperation. In order to fulfil these objectives, a number of Technical, Standing as well as task force Committees have been established. Of course, mutual distrust and a number of disputes among the member states stood as stumbling blocks on the path of progress. The Unanimity rule, which means the acceptance of all the member states for any decision, proved to be a handicap. It could not solve the dispute among its members. Still its periodical meetings provided opportunity for leaders to have amicable discussions. A number of seminars and workshops, training programmes have been jointly sponsored by the Member States in the fields of Science, technology, agriculture. India plays a vital role in the working of this organization. Its Head Quarter is in Kathmandu of Nepal. [CHECKPOINT]
Third is the European Union. The European Union is a Union of 27 European countries. It was established in 1992 by the Treaty of European Union in Maastricht, a city in the Netherlands. It gives an opportunity for a common single market, a single currency and common agricultural and trade policy. The most important institutions are the European Council, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Court of Justice and the European Central Bank. It resembles a federation or Confederation. It is a force for peace and democracy. The European Union is the successor of the European Economic Community. The members have voluntarily transferred their sovereignty to this institution. Its head office is at Brussels of Belgium. Fourth is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It came into existence in 1967. Its head office is at Jakarta of Indonesia. Its founding members are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. Now there are 10 countries in this organization. The main objects are to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in this region, and to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, administrative fields. It is not a military alliance. Although India sympathized with the aims and objectives, India has not joined this organization but it is acting as an observer. [CHECKPOINT]
Fifth is the Organization of African Unity. It was formed in 1963. A large number of African states which gained independence initially evolved a number of regional associations. Later, they formed this Organization of African Unity. It stands for the principles of self determination of all the independent African States. It upholds freedom, equality, justice and solidarity of African countries. The member states expressed their determination to fight against neo colonialism in all its forms. The membership is open to all independent sovereign states of Africa who are willing to abide by the Charter. This organization was renamed as the African Union in 2002. Presently, there are 55 members of this organization. In 2023, at the Group of Twenty Summit of New Delhi, African Union Members were given permanent membership. The Organization consists of the Assembly of Heads of States and Government, a Council of Ministers, a Secretariat and a Commission of Mediation, Conciliation and Arbitration. It has played an important role in denouncing colonialism, apartheid, imperialism. Finally, note this important list of World Bank Institutions. They are the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. [CHECKPOINT]
Now, dear students, let us proceed to the exercises. I will answer each question completely so you can prepare effectively for your exams. Section one asks to fill in the blanks with suitable words. One, the United Nations was established in 1945. Two, the Headquarters of the United Nations is situated in the city of New York. Three, the organ of the United Nations resembling the Cabinet is the Security Council. Four, the Tenure of Judges of the International Court of Justice is 9 years. Five, the head office of the Food and Agriculture Organization is at Rome. Six, the International Court of Justice is at the Hague. Seven, the present Secretary General of the United Nations is Antonio Guterres. Eight, the World Health Organization was started in the year 1948. Nine, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation was established in the year 1985. [CHECKPOINT]
Section two asks to discuss in a group and answer in two or three sentences. Question ten asks who are responsible for the formation of the United Nations. The leaders responsible for the formation of the United Nations are Winston Churchill of England, Joseph Stalin of Russia, and Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States of America. They decided to create a new global organization during the Second World War. Question eleven asks which are the main organs of the United Nations. The six principal organs are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. Question twelve asks who are the permanent members of the Security Council. The five permanent members are the United States of America, Russia, Britain, France, and China. They enjoy veto power, unlike the non permanent members. [CHECKPOINT]
Question thirteen asks what are the objectives of the World Health Organization. The objectives are to protect and improve the health of mankind, eradicate epidemics like Cholera, plague, malaria, small pox and COVID-19, fight against AIDS and Cancer, and address issues like population explosion, environment protection, hunger and malnutrition. Question fourteen asks to prepare the list of activities of the International Labour Organization. Its activities include ensuring social security, protection from health hazards, improving the standard of living of the working class, providing maternity benefits for women labour, fixing minimum wages, and providing housing benefits. Question fifteen asks to expand the word South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. It stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. [CHECKPOINT]
Section three asks to discuss in a group and answer in six to ten sentences. Question sixteen asks to list out the objectives of the United Nations. The objectives are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, establish faith in fundamental human rights, achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, establish justice and respect for international obligation, and function as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations. Question seventeen asks to explain the formation of the General Assembly. The General Assembly is the general body consisting of all members of the United Nations. Each member country sends five representatives but has only one vote. It elects a President for one year, seventeen vice Presidents, and seven Chairmen for standing Committees. Sessions run from September to mid December. A two third majority is required for important matters. It approves the annual budget and summons emergency meetings for urgent issues, acting as a World Parliament. [CHECKPOINT]
Question eighteen asks what are the activities of the Economic and Social Council. Its activities include studying and reporting on international economic, social, cultural, educational, and health matters. It addresses issues like the status of refugees, women, and housing. It makes recommendations for human rights observance, conducts international conferences on human resources and education, and coordinates specialized agencies like the International Labour Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Health Organization. Question nineteen asks to list out the achievements of the United Nations in maintaining world peace. Its achievements include resolving the Korean conflicts, Suez canal crisis, and Vietnam problem. It continuously works on the Kashmir and Palestine Israel disputes, strives for disarmament, solves economic problems through financial institutions, eradicates diseases through the World Health Organization, promotes Universal Human Rights, fights apartheid and colonialism, and works to prevent global warming. [CHECKPOINT]
Question twenty asks what are the functions of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. Its functions include promoting science, education, and culture globally, developing technical education and information technology, fostering creative thinking, conducting cultural and environmental studies, and disseminating knowledge through government and non government institutions. Question twenty one asks to explain the role of the International Monetary Fund in solving the economic problems of the World. Established at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944, it became operational in 1947. It solves international economic problems, promotes world trade, ensures economic stability and sound balance of payments, and harmonizes economic relations between advanced and poor nations. It consists of a Board of Governors, Executive Directors, and Managing Directors, functioning efficiently as a central bank for central banks. [CHECKPOINT]
Question twenty two asks to list out the objectives of the Commonwealth of Nations. Its objectives include upholding democracy and liberty, assisting in poverty eradication, promoting world peace, encouraging sports, science, and cultural ties, and fostering friendly relations among its fifty six member states. Question twenty three asks to explain the European Union. The European Union is a union of twenty seven European countries established in 1992 by the Maastricht Treaty. It provides a common single market, a single currency, and common agricultural and trade policies. Key institutions include the European Council, Commission, Parliament, Court of Justice, and Central Bank. It resembles a federation, acts as a force for peace and democracy, succeeded the European Economic Community, and has its head office in Brussels, Belgium. [CHECKPOINT]
Section four is an activity. It asks to collect historical pictures of Karnataka which come under United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage sites according to the 2023 report and make a list of the style of their architecture. To complete this activity, you should research and compile a list of Karnataka monuments recognized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. These include the Group of Monuments at Hampi, which features Vijayanagara architecture with Dravidian style temples and palaces, the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, which showcases a blend of Northern Nagara and Southern Dravidian architectural styles, and the Aihole and Badami cave temples, which represent early Chalukyan architecture. You should collect photographs of these sites and note their distinct architectural features for your project. Section five is a project. It asks to collect information from newspapers about the peace keeping activities of the United Nations. For this project, you should regularly read national and international newspapers to gather recent news articles detailing United Nations peacekeeping missions. You can compile reports on deployments in conflict zones, humanitarian aid distribution, ceasefire monitoring, and diplomatic mediation efforts. Create a scrapbook or digital presentation summarizing these activities, highlighting how the United Nations Peace Keeping Force maintains global stability and assists war torn regions. [CHECKPOINT]
Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]