Module 2: The structure of the United Nations

Objectives

After completing of this module you will be able to:

1. explain the structure of the United Nations and how all the different parts work together;
2. discuss roles and responsibilities of some of the UN’s key bodies and partners and the challenges that the inherent structure represents today;
3. explain and critique the way the UN is financed and the challenges it faces;
4. distinguish between the three UNs and explain the UN’s role as an ‘idea monger’.

Key Questions

Key questions for you to consider while you work through this module:

• How does the structure and operation of the UN support or hinder the achievement of its main goals set out in the UN Charter? 
• Who is behind the three UNs and why is this distinction important when looking at the failures and successes of the UN?