World Cultures Name:___________________________

Unit Introduction to Globalization Block:_______

The United Nations
Complete this assignment to gain background knowledge on the United Nations. To begin, open an Internet browser and
navigate to the United Nations home page at http://www.un.org/en/index.shtml. Then, scroll down to the section
called The U.N. and, and click on CyberSchoolbus. Read the article there and respond to the items below:
1. Explain the meaning of the U.N. emblem.
The Olive Branch is a symbol of peace and the countries in the world are all surrounded by this.
2. How many countries are members of the U.N. today? 192 members
3. How might you describe the U.N. General Assembly? What happens when it convenes?
The United Nation General Assembly is very similar to a world parliament which is people that are in charge for the
actions that people do. Also, countries can vote but the Assemblys decisions and take over the weight of the world
government opinion.


4. Does the General Assemblys vote matter? Why or why not?
Not really, because the Assemblys decisions become resolutions which carry all of the power of the governments
opinion on what they think.

5. What is unique about the U.N.s headquarters?
It is located in New York City but the lands and the buildings are international territory. Also, they have their own
flag, own post office, and its own postage stamps.


6. What are the main goals of the U.N.?

To keep peace throughout the world
To develop friendly relations between nations
To work together to help people live better lives, to eliminate poverty, diseases, etc.
To be a centre for helping nations achieve these goals

7. Identify at least two challenges that exist in following the U.N. principles.

All the members must obey the Charter
Countries should try to assist the United Nations

8. What was the League of Nations, and how does it relate to the U.N.?
There was 57 countries that were members of the League and it was created because a lot of people from France,
South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the US believed that an organized world of nations should keep the peace
and help to prevent horrors in the war in 1914-18 in Europe.


9. In what ways was the League of Nations an example of early globalization? Identify at least two.

Members of the nations defended other members from aggression
International cooperation in economic and social affairs

10. Why did the League of Nations fail? Identify at least two reasons.

They had no military power of their own in any sort
Several Big Powers ended up giving up/failing to support the league

11. In what year was the U.N. created? 1944
12. What was happening at that time? It was the End of World War ll
13. How many countries originally joined the U.N.? 51
14. Why might the League of Nations be considered the forerunner of the United Nations?
The League of Nations came first, its two basic reasons that it was considered a forerunner to the UN is to preserve
peace through collected action(not allowing countries to harm other countries) and second, to promote
international cooperation in economics and social affairs.
15. What is the U.N.s Security Council, and what countries are involved in it? The Security Council is responsible for
making sure that there is peace and is the only body whos decisions are for all of the member countries. The
countries that are involved are China, France, United Kingdom, USSR, and the USA.
16. Why might the structure and operation of the Security Council be problematic? In other words, what principle does
it appear to violate? Identify two issues.
Countries have different ideas of what is considered right from wrong
Countries have different values when it comes to human beings
Go to the BBCs profile on the U.N. at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/3159028.stmand scroll down
to the Members section.
17. Who is the newest U.N. member, and what noteworthy nations are not members of the U.N.? Why has U.N.
membership grown? South Sudan is the newest member along with 192 member states. The Vatican and Taiwan are
not members.


18. How is the U.N. funded?
They(countries) contribute money by their ability of how much they can afford.


19. The chart below lists the six organizational bodies of the U.N. Complete the chart with information about their
purpose as well as details you find interesting or important. NOTE: Youve already read a bit about the G.A. and S.C.
Organizational Bodies Purpose Interesting & Important Facts
General Assembly

The main body which has representatives of
every member country
Its the UNs main forum for debate
Security Council

Is there to make sure that there is world peace Five permanent nations including China,
UK, USA, France, and Russia
Economic and Social
Council
The council makes sure the UNs economic,
social, humanitarian and cultural activities.
54 members are elected by the General
Assembly
International Court of
Justice (World Court)
Its the main court for the United Nations There are 15 judges elected by the General
Assembly and Security Council
Secretariat

Undertakes the overall day work of the UN 9,000 Secretariat staff members are drawn
from 170 countries
Trusteeship Council

The council administered the UNs trust
territories
It suspended its activities in the year of
1944

20. The U.N. also has separate organizations that work to meet its goals. List four different groups or goals these
organizations work to help or promote (NOT the names of the organizations).

International Atomic Energy Agency
International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
UN Childrens Fund
UN Development Programme

21. What is the title of the U.N.s leader, and who currently holds this position?How is this position used to
counterbalance the strength of some U.N. members?
He is known as the Secretary General, currently Ban Ki-Moon holds the position. Its usually filled by a member of a
smaller country that is neutral in policies.

22. What do you feel is the future of the U.N.? Does it have a place in todays world? Why or why not? What can it do
to improve its position? Write a 5-6 sentence paragraph explaining your views.
I think it is an organization that is no longer of importance. The way that the world is today no longer needs an
organization like the UN. The difference in the world and countries makes for a tougher situation for there to be
world peace. Many times it seems that member countries do not want to go along with all of the other countries
and are not committed. I feel that it almost looks like it is a waste of time and effort to be involved as a member
country.