What is the UK's role in the United Nations?
I can explain the organisation of the United Nations and the part that the UK plays in it.
- Year 10
What is the UK's role in the United Nations?
I can explain the organisation of the United Nations and the part that the UK plays in it.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The UN was created after WWII and works through its members to tackle global challenges and support peace efforts.
- The General Assembly is made up of all UN Member States and allows every country an equal vote to discuss global issues.
- The Security Council maintains peace, with five permanent members and 10 rotating members.
- The UK is a permanent Security Council member with veto power and influence over peace and security decisions.
- The UK contributes troops and funding to UN peacekeeping and supports global action through the General Assembly.
Keywords
United Nations (UN) - an international organisation comprising most countries in the world which aims to promote peace, security and international cooperation
Security Council - the UN Security Council is made up of 15 members, five permanent and 10 rotating; it is primarily responsible for international peace and security
General Assembly - the main meeting of all UN Member States where each has one vote to discuss global issues and suggest actions
Permanent member - the five nations who permanently sit on the UN Security Council; they have the power to veto UN actions and decisions
Veto - the right to reject a decision or proposal
Common misconception
The UN can force countries to follow its decisions.
Most UN decisions are not legally binding. Only Security Council resolutions are, and even these can be blocked by a permanent member’s veto.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its definition.
Q2.The United Nations was created after the Second World ...
Q3.Where is the UN's headquarters?
Q4.What is the primary goal of the UN?
Q5.When was the UN founded?
Q6.In 1948, the UN made a universal declaration on which topic?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the sentence starter to its end.
