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.
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.
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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 of 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.
To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: What is the UK's role in the United Nations?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: What is the UK's role in the United Nations?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the How does the UK play a role in the international community? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
group of countries or Member States working for peace
helping keep peace in conflict zones
rights everyone should have
Exit quiz
6 Questions
which aims to promote peace, security and international cooperation.
15 members, five permanent and 10 rotating.
is called the General Assembly.