The United Nations was created by the UN Charter, drafted at the San Francisco conference (April to June 1945) and brought into force later that year. The Charter's Article 7 sets up six principal organs, among them the General Assembly (every member, one vote), the Security Council (15 members, 5 permanent with veto), the Secretariat under the Secretary-General, and a world court.
Key facts
- Charter signed at San Francisco on 26 June 1945 by 50 states (Poland signed later); 51 original members.
- 193 member states today; the Holy See and Palestine are observer states. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Six principal organs under Article 7; the General Assembly is the only organ where every member sits.
- Security Council: 15 members, five permanent (China, France, Russia, UK, US) with veto.
- Antonio Guterres is Secretary-General; his second term ends on 31 December 2026. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Latest
India launched its campaign for a 2028-29 non-permanent Security Council seat in July 2026; the UNGA in September 2026 designated 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.
Why exams ask about it
Setters ask the founding date, the day it is observed, which organ sits outside the headquarters city, which body is not a principal organ, and India's membership year.