A resolution is a formal decision or declaration adopted by a UN body. Resolutions can be either Security Council or General Assembly resolutions, with the former binding on member states and the latter not. In practice, most resolutions issued by the United Nations are Security Council resolutions. Under Article 25 of the Charter, all UN members are bound to carry out decisions of the Security Council. Resolutions passed by the General Assembly are generally not binding on member states unless they are considered “important questions”—that is, those that concern the maintenance of international peace and security, admission of new members to the United Nations, suspension of the rights and privileges of membership, the expulsion of members, operation of the trusteeship system or budgetary questions.
The United Nations and its many programs, funds, and affiliated agencies play a key role in world affairs—confronting humanitarian crises and civil wars, the spread of HIV, global financial disruptions, international terrorism, the scourge of environmental degradation, and the widening gap between rich and poor nations. They do this through a diverse range of activities, from peacekeeping to disaster relief, countering terrorism and disarmament to promoting human rights, economic development, global health, and governance.
While the United Nations is best known for its peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian efforts, its work impacts our lives in nearly every corner of the globe. Its specialized agencies, funds and programmes work on issues that include sustainable development, the environment, international trade, human rights, international finance, clearing landmines, food production and more. The United Nations and its affiliates are also working on the challenges of climate change, global security, poverty eradication, and the empowerment of women and girls.
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