Trivia - United Nations

Trivia: United Nations What is United Nations Day, and when is it celebrated? Answer: October 24. Background: It marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945. What year was the United Nations founded? Answer: 1945. Background: The UN was established after World War II, on October 24, 1945, with the aim of preventing future conflicts and promoting peace, security, and cooperation between countries. It replaced the League of Nations, which had failed to prevent the war. Which city hosts the United Nations Headquarters? Answer: New York City. Background: While the UN has offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi, its main headquarters is located in New York City. The site was chosen as a neutral location to facilitate international cooperation. How many founding member states did the United Nations have? Answer: 51. Background: The UN began with 51 member states, mostly composed of nations that fought in World War II. Over time, membership has expanded to 193 countries. What is the primary purpose of the United Nations? Answer: To maintain international peace and security. Background: The UN’s central mission is to promote peace and prevent conflict, though it also works on human rights, social development, and climate change. Which document serves as the foundational treaty of the United Nations? Answer: The UN Charter. Background: The UN Charter was signed in San Francisco on June 26, 1945, and it outlines the principles and organizational structure of the United Nations. Who was the first Secretary-General of the United Nations? Answer: Trygve Lie. Background: Trygve Lie, a Norwegian diplomat, served as the first SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations from 1946 to 1952. How many official languages does the UN recognize? Answer: Six. Background: The official languages of the UN are English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic. These languages are used in UN meetings and documents. Who coined the name united nations? The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt was first used in the Declaration by United Nations of 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers Who designed the United Nations emblem? Answer: A team of designers led by Oliver Lincoln Lundquist. Background: The emblem was created during the United Nations Conference on International Organization in 1945, featuring the now-iconic olive branches and world map. What does the UN emblem represent? Answer: A map of the world centered on the North Pole, surrounded by olive branches. Background: The olive branches symbolize peace, while the map represents the organization’s global reach. Who is the Chief Administrative Officer of the United Nations? Answer: The Secretary-General. Background: The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council and serves as the head of the UN Secretariat. Who is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations? Answer: António Guterres Background: António Guterres has been re-appointed as UN SecretaryGeneral for a second term, pledging as his priority, to continue helping the world chart a course out of the COVID-19 pandemic. What is the role of the UN General Assembly? Answer: It is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN. Background: All 193 member states are represented in the General Assembly, where decisions on major issues, such as security and new membership, require a two-thirds majority. What does the UN Charter's opening statement say? Answer: "We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war..." Background: This statement reflects on the primary purpose of the United Nations to maintain peace throughout the world. What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and when was it adopted? Answer: It is a document that outlines fundamental human rights, adopted on December 10, 1948. Background: The declaration is a milestone in human rights, setting universal standards for the dignity and rights of all individuals. What is the UN’s primary goal in sustainable development? Answer: To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background: These 17 goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. When and where did the first meeting of the UN General Assembly take place? Answer: January 10, 1946, in London. Background: The meeting was held in Central Hall, Westminster, and it marked the beginning of the General Assembly’s work. Which country holds the record for the longest speech at the UN General Assembly? Answer: India. Background: V.K. Krishna Menon delivered a speech lasting over seven hours in 1957 during a debate on Kashmir. What was the first country to withdraw from the United Nations? Answer: Indonesia. Background: In 1965, Indonesia withdrew temporarily due to a dispute over Malaysia's membership in the Security Council but rejoined the following year.