Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha.
Culture, Philosophy and Religion

Honoring Vesak in a Time of Global Challenges

"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. In his message for this year’s Vesak (12 May), UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlights that the Buddha's teachings of compassion, tolerance, and selfless service align with UN values. He urges these principles to guide us through global challenges. May the spirit of Vesak inspire us to bridge divides, foster solidarity, and work together towards a more peaceful, sustainable and harmonious world.

Lumbini, where Lord Buddha was born, is a sacred pilgrimage destination with rich archaeological heritage.
Photo:Arjun Jaisawal/Pixabay
The Secretariat Building at United Nations Headquarters, in New York.

UN chief calls for major reforms to cut costs and improve efficiency

12 May 2025 — Amid financial strain and growing global challenges, UN Secretary-General António Guterres is pushing for wide-ranging structural reforms to enhance the world body’s effectiveness....

Africa faces "urgent and escalating realities" of climate change such as persistent drought and deadly flooding, warned Celeste Saulo, head of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which supports adaptation efforts.

Climate change takes increasingly extreme toll on African countries

12 May 2025 — Devastating floods in South Sudan in recent months left thousands of herders without their most precious possessions: goats, cows and cattle. The animals are central to people’s...

A displaced girl waits her turn to fetch water for her family in the southern city of Rafah in Gaza.

Gaza: UN agencies reject Israeli plan to use aid as ‘bait’

9 May 2025 — Israel’s plan to take control of relief assistance in Gaza would put civilian lives in danger and cause mass displacement while using aid as “bait”, UN humanitarians said on Friday....

UN Sustainable Development Goals

17 Goals to transform our world

The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries — poor, rich and middle-income — to promote prosperity while protecting the planet.

hands holding megaphone and speech bubble

ActNow Campaign

ActNow is the UN campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the lead up to the Summit of the Future, join the 1 Million Actions for our Common Future challenge to contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. Find new inspiring actions on the app and at un.org/actnow.

Thomas the Tank engine

Student Resources on the SDGs

Learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals! On our student resources page you will find plenty of materials for young people and adults alike. Share with your family and friends to help achieve a better world for all.

children holding up books

SDG Book Club

Reading and learning are essential to children’s growth and development; stories can fuel their imagination and raise awareness of new possibilities. The SDG Book Club aims to encourage them to learn about the Goals in a fun, engaging way, empowering them to make a difference.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Goal of the month

 

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

More about the UN Sustainable Development Goals

More from the
United Nations

Featured stories from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of agencies, funds, and programmes.

Three individuals walking through a dilapidated building with sunlight streaming in from an open doorway. Human Rights, OHCHR

Risking his life to unearth the truth

Manuel Calloquispe Flores, a journalist for 15 years, has extensively investigated illegal gold mining in La Pampa, Peru, where criminal gangs exploit the region's biodiversity. Despite mining being prohibited due to its environmental impact, the area faces severe deforestation and mercury pollution. Calloquispe raises awareness about disappearances linked to mining and advocates for affected families, transitioning from business studies to journalism upon witnessing the mining crisis. Despite facing multiple assaults and death threats, he continues to report on these issues. Since 2022, UN Human Rights Peru has supported him, documenting numerous attacks against journalists and ensuring his safety through protective measures. His work highlights the significant dangers journalists face when exposing crime and environmental issues.

A group of people sitting in a UNHCR facility in Samarkhail, Afghanistan. There are several adults and children, with their faces blurred for privacy. Displaced Persons and Refugees, UNHCR

Afghan refugees forced to return face uncertain future

The Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has seen a surge of Afghan families returning home, driven by Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan. In April, around 144,000 Afghans returned, including nearly 30,000 deported individuals. Many, like Ezatullah and his seven children, arrived with few belongings and uncertain futures, having lived in Pakistan for decades. With rising unemployment and poverty in Afghanistan, Ezatullah worries about providing for his family, emphasizing the importance of education for his children. Meanwhile, deportations are also occurring in Iran. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is offering emergency assistance, urging for $71 million in support to aid returnees, particularly women and children, as funding cuts severely limit their capacity to help those in need.

A small potted plant with green leaves that have hints of pink and blue. A hand is gently touching the plant from the side. Natural Resources and the Environment, FAO

Turning over a new leaf

Forests cover nearly one-third of the Earth's land, offering vital benefits such as soil and water protection, climate regulation, and biodiversity preservation. They provide essential materials like wood and fibers, as well as food and medicine, which support millions of livelihoods globally. The resilience and adaptability of forests and trees largely stem from their genetic diversity. But what makes forests and trees resilient and adaptable? The answer lies in their genetic diversity. The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources highlights the urgent need to conserve and sustainably utilize these genetic resources. This is crucial for addressing challenges like deforestation, climate change, and poverty. By advancing research, improving policies, and fostering global cooperation, we can protect forest genetic diversity, ensuring that forests continue to thrive and serve future generations.

UNDP's report cover depicting of a woman with headphones.
Science and Technology, UNDP

AI for a fairer future

United Nations Development Programme’s new report shows that with the right choices, AI can help tackle inequality and global challenges—turning today’s uncertainty into tomorrow’s opportunity.

A woman sitting with her children.
Humanitarian Aid, WFP

Food aid crisis

Frustrations intensify as violence in Port-au-Prince blocks vital food deliveries to 30,000 people in La Saline, where access to basic services is almost non-existent.

A copper mining field.
SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production, UNCTAD

Copper at crossroads

With global demand for copper set to soar 40% by 2040, UNCTAD warns that supply shortfalls could derail clean energy and digital transitions unless smarter trade, investment, and recycling strategies are urgently adopted.

Poundo performing on stage.
Intellectual and Cultural Property, WIPO

Metadata protects music creators

Music creators are urged to take control of their metadata to ensure fair compensation and protect their rights in the evolving music industry.

What we do

Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, including:

A UNIFIL peacekeeper from Spain on a regular patrol in the vicinity of Al Wazzani, south-eastern Lebanon as the sun sets in the horizon. Since 1948, more than a million women and men have served as UN peacekeepers.

Maintain International Peace and Security

The United Nations came into being in 1945, following the devastation of the Second World War, with one central mission: the maintenance of international peace and security. The UN does this by working to prevent conflict; helping parties in conflict make peace; peacekeeping; and creating the conditions to allow peace to hold and flourish. These activities often overlap and should reinforce one another, to be effective. The UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for international peace and security. The General Assembly and the Secretary-General play major, important, and complementary roles, along with other UN offices and bodies.

Students at Butkhak High School in Kabul, Afghanistan, cheer in unison on the last day of Global Action Week, an international campaign advocating free, quality education for all.

Protect Human Rights

The term “human rights” was mentioned seven times in the UN's founding Charter, making the promotion and protection of human rights a key purpose and guiding principle of the Organization.  In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights brought human rights into the realm of international law.  Since then, the Organization has diligently protected human rights through legal instruments and on-the-ground activities.

A child has a meal at a food distribution centre in the Rwanda camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), near Tawila, North Darfur. More than 8,000 women and children living in the camp benefit from nutrition programmes run by the World Food Programme

Deliver Humanitarian Aid

One of the purposes of the United Nations, as stated in its Charter, is "to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character."  The UN first did this in the aftermath of the Second World War on the devastated continent of Europe, which it helped to rebuild.  The Organization is now relied upon by the international community to coordinate humanitarian relief operations due to natural and man-made disasters in areas beyond the relief capacity of national authorities alone.

Grace, a farmer from Kipilat village, and a leading member of the forest community in Ainabkoi, Kenya, planting a tree in 2012.

Promote Sustainable Development

From the start in 1945, one of the main priorities of the United Nations was to “achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.”  Improving people’s well-being continues to be one of the main focuses of the UN. The global understanding of development has changed over the years, and countries now have agreed that sustainable development offers the best path forward for improving the lives of people everywhere.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers its order on the request for the indication of provisional measures filed by Nicaragua on 11 October 2013 in the case concerning Construction of a Road in Costa Rica along the San Juan River.

Uphold International Law

The UN Charter, in its Preamble, set an objective: "to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained."  Ever since, the development of, and respect for international law has been a key part of the work of the Organization.  This work is carried out in many ways - by courts, tribunals, multilateral treaties - and by the Security Council, which can approve peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions, or authorize the use of force when there is a threat to international peace and security, if it deems this necessary.  These powers are given to it by the UN Charter, which is considered an international treaty.  As such, it is an instrument of international law, and UN Member States are bound by it.  The UN Charter codifies the major principles of international relations, from sovereign equality of States to the prohibition of the use of force in international relations.

Structure of the
United Nations

The main parts of the UN structure are the General Assembly, the
Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. All were established in 1945 when the UN was founded.

General Assembly

The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. All 193 Member States of the UN are represented in the General Assembly, making it the only UN body with universal representation.

Security Council

The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members). Each Member has one vote. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions.

Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as implementation of internationally agreed development goals.

Trusteeship Council

The Trusteeship Council was established in 1945 by the UN Charter, under Chapter XIII, to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories that had been placed under the administration of seven Member States, and ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government and independence.

International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Its seat is at the Peace Palace in the Hague (Netherlands). It is the only one of the six principal organs of the United Nations not located in New York (United States of America).

Secretariat

The Secretariat comprises the Secretary-General and tens of thousands of international UN staff members who carry out the day-to-day work of the UN as mandated by the General Assembly and the Organization's other principal organs.

More about the structure of the United Nations

Learn more

Climate Change

Climate change is the defining issue of our time and now is the defining moment to do something about it. There is still time to tackle climate change, but it will require an unprecedented effort from all sectors of society.

Women at UN CSW63 Side Event - “Take the Hot Seat”. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown

Gender Equality

Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is greeted on his visit to the Central African Republic

Ending Poverty

While global poverty rates have been cut by more than half since 2000, one in ten people in developing regions still lives on less than US$1.90 a day — the internationally agreed poverty line, and millions of others live on slightly more than this daily amount.

A young girl holds a smiling infant at the Zaatari Refugee Camp

Our Common Agenda

Following up on a pledge made by UN Member States at the UN’s 75th anniversary, the report Our Common Agenda looks ahead to the next 25 years and represents the Secretary-General’s vision on the future of global cooperation. It calls for inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism to better respond to humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Watch and Listen

Video and audio from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of agencies, funds, and programmes.

Unlocking global potential | World Bank

The next generation of innovators is rising from the developing world, and the World Bank Group is helping them thrive. By combining insight, finance, and partnerships, we've transformed $29 billion in donor support into $1.5 trillion in real-world impact.

Sustainable ocean planning

Balancing ocean conservation with human activity starts by bringing together scientists, policymakers, and communities to sustainably share the sea.

Restoring the land, renewing hope

Restoring degraded ecosystems in Africa is crucial for food security, with WFP’s initiatives like the Livelihood Assets & Resilience Academy building Zimbabwe's local expertise to scale sustainable growth.

UN Podcasts

a child receiving a vaccine

Vaccine safety explained: What the science actually says

Are vaccines safe? What’s actually in them? In this two-part episode of the World Health Organization podcast Science in 5, Dr. Kate O’Brien breaks down how vaccines are tested, approved, and monitored even after they reach the public. She also explains what happens if a safety concern is flagged. 

Latest Audio from UN News

The United Nations in Pictures

Images from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of agencies, funds, and programmes.

A midwife attending to a woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Photo:UNFPA DRC/Junior Mayindu

Midwives in the DRC: “I saved four lives in one night”

Loti Kubuya Mielor, a midwife supervisor in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, vividly recalls a critical moment on January 2, 2023, when a woman gave birth to quadruplets under his supervision and subsequently experienced severe postpartum hemorrhage. Thanks to Loti's decisive actions and swift administration of medication within seven minutes, he stabilized the mother, preventing a life-threatening situation. Two years later, he still carries photos of the quadruplets on his phone. Midwives play an essential role in crises, often being the first and only care providers for pregnant women and newborns facing complications. In conflict-affected regions like eastern DRC, maternal and neonatal mortality risks can double due to disrupted health systems and limited access to vital services.

A woman wearing a black niqab sitting on a mattress with a young boy. The woman is pointing at an open notebook that the boy is looking at.
Photo:OCHA

Stories of strength in Yemen

“My life has stabilized and I’m optimistic about the future,” says Arwa. A single mother displaced by conflict in Yemen, Arwa started a small business thanks to a cash grant. She is one of 8 million people in Yemen who received life-saving support last year from around 200 humanitarian organizations – many of them local Yemeni partners. In a country devastated by years of conflict, economic collapse and climate disasters, glimpses of hope still break through. From a mother restoring her child’s health to a family salvaging their home after floods, these are the stories of seven people in Yemen whose hope was restored by humanitarian assistance. 

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