United Nations General Assembly
The United Nations’ principal deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ, comprising all member states, each with one vote.
United Nations General Assembly resolution: A formal text adopted by the General Assembly that expresses decisions, recommendations, or positions. Resolutions are the assembly’s principal way to record collective decisions and recommendations.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A 1948 General Assembly declaration that sets out a common standard of human rights. The assembly adopted this declaration, giving it lasting influence despite its nonbinding status.
United Nations Charter: The 1945 treaty that established the United Nations and defines its purposes, principles, and principal organs. The Charter establishes the assembly, defines its powers, and makes member states its participants.
United Nations Economic and Social Council: A principal UN organ that coordinates economic, social, and related work and makes recommendations. The assembly elects most council members and receives its reports.
United Nations General Assembly voting: The procedures by which member states cast votes on matters before the General Assembly. Voting rules determine when a simple majority or a two-thirds majority is required.
Sustainable Development Goals: Seventeen global goals adopted by UN member states in 2015 to guide sustainable development through 2030. The assembly adopted the goals as a shared framework for national and international development policy.
San Francisco Conference: The 1945 conference at which delegates from 50 countries negotiated and signed the United Nations Charter. Its negotiations created the UN structure that includes a universal deliberative assembly.
International Court of Justice: The UN’s principal judicial organ, which settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions. The assembly may request advisory opinions and elects the court’s judges with the Security Council.
United Nations General Assembly committees: Six main committees that examine agenda topics and draft recommendations for the plenary. Most substantive debate and draft resolution work takes place in these committees.
United Nations peacekeeping: UN operations that help countries navigate conflict and sustain peace, usually with consent of the parties. The assembly debates peacekeeping policy and approves the UN budget that funds operations.