The United Nations is a global intergovernmental organization established by the signing of the Charter of the United Nations on 26 June 1945 with the articulated mission of maintaining international
1943 sketch by Franklin Roosevelt of the UN original three branches: The Four Policemen, an executive branch, and an international assembly of forty UN member states.
Dag Hammarskjöld was a particularly active secretary-general from 1953 until he died in 1961.
Kofi Annan, secretary-general from 1997 to 2006
Flags of member nations at the United Nations Headquarters, pictured in 2007
The United Nations System consists of the United Nations' six principal bodies, and the specialized agencies and related organizations. The UN System includes subsidiary bodies such as the separately
The United Nations Office at Geneva (Switzerland) is the second biggest UN centre, after the United Nations Headquarters (New York City).
United Nations Headquarters in New York City, view from Roosevelt Island
International Court of Justice HQ 2006