A few weeks ago the UN Association of Finland organized a school visitation education in Turku, the purpose of which is to educate volunteers willing to visit schools in order to share information about the UN, its principles, and its goals as a non-governmental organization.
In Finland, UN school visitors can be requested through the UNA of Finland:
http://www.ykliitto.fi/koulutus-ja-oppimateriaalit?language=fi
School visits are open and available to all kinds of educational institutions and tailored according to the age and interest of the pupils/students. The visit can include general facts about the UN and its activities, or be focused around a specific topic, e.g. the UN Millennium Development Goals 2000.
Founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 states to protect the world from new wars, the UN (United Nations) is the world´s most important co-operational organization. Over the course of the years the UN has of course changed and developed, trying to adjust its operations according to the most important needs and most urgent matters of its member states. In 2013, the UN had 193 member states.
The main goals of the UN are:
– To maintain international peace and security through peaceful means in solving disputes and conflicts
– To develop friendly relations between nations (autonomy and equal rights)
– Generate and accomplish co-operation to solve economical, social, cultural and humanitarian problems
– To advance human rights and their universality
– To serve as a co-operational centre for all nations
According to the principles of the UN, all member nations are plenipotentiary and equal, must fulfill the obligations of the UN Charter, resolve all international conflicts with peaceful means, and help the UN in all actions taken by the UN according to its Charter.
The main bodies of the UN are:
– The General Assembly
– The Security Council
– ECOSOC (the Economic and Social Council)
– The Secretariat
– The International Court of Justice
– The Trusteeship Council
(Sources: Leisma, 2009; printed material produced by the UN Association of Finland).
The previously mentioned UN Millennium Development Goals 2000 are:
1. Eradication of extreme hunger and poverty
2. Achievement of Universal Primary Education
3. Promotion of Gender Equality and Empowering Women
4. Reduction of Child Mortality
5. Improvement of Maternal Health
6. Combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other Diseases
7. Ensuring Environmental Sustainability
8. Global Partnership for Development
(Source: UNA printed material, UN Millennium Development Goals website, quoted 16.4.2014).
Wide-ranged and large goals, but perfectly achievable with commitment from all UN member nations.
Are we close to achieving these goals, or have we already achieved some of them?
I will discuss each of these goals separately in my upcoming posts, with facts and personal thoughts.
Anne-Maria Yritys 