Highlights of the work across the United Nations
The United Nations employs a comprehensive toolkit of mechanisms to promote international peace and security. The following are some of the main UN entities that are mandated to promote peace and security through diverse approaches, including conflict prevention, disarmament, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, justice, the rule of law, and beyond, in collaboration with Member States, the wider UN system, and external partners.
Learn more about the main UN bodies as well as members of the UN System.
Children and Armed Conflict
The UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict advocates for the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict.
Counter-terrorism
The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism provides strategic leadership, coordination, and capacity building to Member States and the Global CT Coordination Compact.
Disarmament
The Office for Disarmament Affairs supports multilateral efforts towards general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.
Drugs and Crime
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime works to make the world safer from drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism.
General Assembly
As the UN's main policy-making organ, the 193-member General Assembly provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of international issues covered by the Charter.
Mine Action
The UN Mine Action Service works to eliminate threats posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices.
Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs promotes international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space.
Peacebuilding
The UN Peacebuilding Fund works to prevent the outbreak, escalation, continuation, and recurrence of conflict.
Peacekeeping
UN Peacekeeping provides security, political and peacebuilding support to help countries transition from conflict to peace.
Political Affairs
The UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs plays a central role in preventing deadly conflict through preventive diplomacy, mediation, and electoral assistance.
Security Council
The 15-member Security Council is one of the UN's six principal organs, primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
Sexual Violence in Conflict
The Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict addresses the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and advocates for survivors.