A-Z: General definitions: United Nations

Definition

The UN, an international organisation created after World War II, replaced the League of Nations, with the aim of promoting international co-operation and preventing another world war. The UN was established with 51 member states and by 2015 membership had increased to 193. Its aims broadened to include:
• maintaining international peace and security
• promoting human rights
• fostering social and economic development
• protecting the environment
• providing humanitarian aid in cases of famine, natural disaster, and armed conflict.