Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

A formal written proposal containing preambulatory and operative clauses submitted for debate and voting.

A principal UN organ responsible for coordinating economic, social, and related work among UN agencies.

A principal organ of the UN responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development.

The Economic and Social Council of the UN responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development.

A committee of the UN General Assembly focused on social, humanitarian, and human rights issues.

The International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the UN that settles legal disputes between states.

The principal judicial organ of the UN that settles legal disputes between states.

The official authority or responsibility given to a UN organ or delegate to act on specific issues.

An independent group that participates in UN activities without government affiliation or voting rights.

An independent organization that participates in UN activities and advocacy but is not a member state.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

A UN mission deploying military and civilian personnel to help maintain peace and security in conflict areas.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

A section in a resolution that provides background, context, and justification for the actions proposed in the operative clauses.

One of the six principal organs of the UN responsible for maintaining international peace and security with fifteen member states, including five permanent members with veto power.

The UN organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security with authority to impose sanctions.

A binding decision adopted by the United Nations Security Council addressing issues of international peace and security.

The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee of the UN General Assembly focusing on human rights and social issues.

A main UNGA committee focused on political issues, decolonization, peacekeeping, and related matters.

A main committee of the UN General Assembly focusing on decolonization, peacekeeping, and political issues.

An autonomous organization affiliated with the UN that focuses on specific areas like health, labor, or agriculture.

A committee or working group established under a main UN organ to focus on specific issues.

The United Nations agency responsible for protecting and supporting refugees and displaced persons worldwide.

The United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.

A principal UN organ responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development.

A UN agency responsible for coordinating environmental activities and assisting developing countries in environmental policy.

A UN agency mandated to protect and support refugees worldwide.

An informal document used to share ideas and draft proposals before formal submission as a draft resolution.