General Assembly

General Assembly

Established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly is the

main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. it provides a

unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered

by the Charter. It also plays a significant role in the process of standard-setting and the

codification of international law. The Assembly meets in regular session intensively from

September to December each year, and thereafter as required.

The subsidiary organs of the General Assembly are divided into 5 categories: Boards,

Commissions, Committees, Councils and Panels, and Working Groups and others. After

discussing the items on the agenda, seeking where possible to harmonize the various

approaches of States, the subsidiary organs present their recommendations, usually in the

form of draft resolutions and decisions, to a plenary meeting of the Assembly for its

consideration.

According to the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly may:

1. Consider and approve the United Nations budget and establish the financial

assessments of Member States;

2. Elect the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of other

United Nations councils and organs and, on the recommendation of the Security

Council, appoint the Secretary-General;

3. Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for

maintaining international peace and security, including disarmament;

4. Discuss any question relating to international peace and security and, except where

a dispute or situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council, make

recommendations on it;

5. Discuss, with the same exception, and make recommendations on any questions

within the scope of the Charter or affecting the powers and functions of any organ of

the United Nations;

6. Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political

cooperation, the development and codification of international law, the realization of

human rights and fundamental freedoms, and international collaboration in the

economic, social, humanitarian, cultural, educational and health fields;

7. Make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation that might impair

friendly relations among nations;

8. Consider reports from the Security Council and other United Nations organs.

Security Council

The Security Council held its first session on 17 January 1946 at Church House,

Westminster, London. Since its first meeting, the Security Council has taken permanent

residence

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