---
title: "United Nations Definition and Purpose | Model Diplomat"
description: "The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945 to maintain peace and security, vital for Model UN students and researchers."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/united-nations"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote cooperation.
- Which UN organ can authorize the use of military force, and under which Charter chapter?
- Who are the five permanent members of the Security Council and what power distinguishes them?
- How does a binding Security Council resolution differ from a General Assembly resolution?
- When and how was the United Nations founded?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote cooperation.

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## Timeline

1. 24 October 1945

   The United Nations (UN) is the principal intergovernmental organization of the contemporary international order, established on when the UN Charter, signed…

2. 26 June 1945

   The United Nations (UN) is the principal intergovernmental organization of the contemporary international order, established on 24 October 1945 when the UN C…

3. 1 January 1942

   Roosevelt in the "Declaration by United Nations" of .

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Example

In 1990 the UN Security Council passed Resolution 678 authorizing member states to use "all necessary means" to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait, providing the legal basis for the U.S.-led Gulf War coalition.

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