The purposes of the United Nations are to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends.
The UN promotes peace in a number of ways, both directly and indirectly. In situations of manifest or simmering conflict, the UN employs tools ranging from mediation to the dispatch of peacekeeping forces. In the preventative sphere, the UN works to heal the economic and social causes of war. As a center for diplomacy and debate, the UN provides a framework for the peaceful settlement of disputes, a means of defusing conflicts before they begin. In times of international crisis, it serves as a focal point for easing tensions and beginning negotiations. The UN also promotes peace through its development of a growing body of international law, as well as through development assistance. The UN is constantly undertaking activities that address the underlying causes of conflict, and in building what former Secretary-General Kofi Annan called “sustainable peace.”
VIDEO: THE UNITED NATIONS AT 70
On 1 January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Over the next fifteen years, with these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
The SDGs, also known as Global Goals, build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and aim to go further to end all forms of poverty. The new Goals are unique in that they call for action by all countries, poor, rich and middle-income to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and addresses a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. Learn more about the SDGs.
United Nations Messengers of Peace:
The United Nations Messengers of Peace are distinguished individuals from the fields of art, literature, music and sports who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations. Backed by the highest honor bestowed by the Secretary-General on a global citizen for an initial period of two years, these prominent personalities – such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Douglas, Dr. Jane Goodall, Yo-Yo Ma, and others – volunteer their time, talent and passion to raise awareness of United Nations’ efforts to improve the lives of billions of people everywhere. For a list of Messengers of Peace and their interest areas: CLICK HERE.
April 2017: Malala Yousafzai designated youngest-ever UN Messenger of Peace – CLICK HERE for article.
UN Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio’s remarks at the 2016 Student Observance of the International Day of Peace at the United Nations
Learn more about the film “Before the Flood” – featuring Leonardo DiCaprio traveling to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand.