This children’s article, The United Nations: The organisation that helps the world, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about global cooperation, and understand how countries work together to solve world problems. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A kid’s guide to the UN
The United Nations, usually called the UN, is one of the most important organisations in the world. It brings countries together to talk, solve problems, and try to keep the world peaceful and fair.
Almost every country on Earth is a member. Let’s find out what they do and how they do it.
How the UN began
The UN was created in 1945, at the end of the Second World War. The world had just experienced terrible fighting, and many leaders wanted to make sure something like that would never happen again.
Representatives from 50 countries met in the United States and agreed to form a new organisation that would encourage cooperation instead of conflict.
This new group was called the United Nations because the aim was to unite nations in peace. Over time, more countries joined, and today the UN has 193 members.
Where is it located?
The UN headquarters is in New York City, on the east side of Manhattan. The main building is a tall, glass tower overlooking the East River. Inside, you can find huge meeting rooms where delegates from around the world discuss climate change, wars, health, education, and many other global issues.
One of the most famous rooms is the General Assembly Hall. This is where all member countries get one vote each, no matter how big or small they are.
The headquarters also has artwork from many cultures, a peaceful garden, and flags from every member state. You can take a guided tour there to see how the organisation works.
Who leads the UN?
The leader of the UN is called the Secretary-General. This person acts like the organisation’s spokesperson and organiser. They help countries remain calm during disagreements and collaborate with teams worldwide to resolve problems.
What does the UN do?
The UN has many important jobs. One of its key goals is to maintain international peace. If a conflict begins, the UN may send peacekeepers to help protect civilians and encourage both sides to negotiate to stop the fighting.
Another important job is looking after human rights. The UN supports children, refugees, and people affected by disasters. It also works on global issues such as health, education, and equality.In 2015, the UN created the Sustainable Development Goals. These are 17 targets to improve life for everyone by 2030. They include ending extreme poverty, reducing pollution, and ensuring everyone has access to clean water. You can read more about these goals on the United Nations website.
Plans for the future
The UN continues to focus on global challenges. Its future plans include protecting the environment, increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing conflict, and improving education in poorer countries.
The organisation also hopes to encourage more cooperation between nations to solve problems such as climate change, hunger, disease, and the health of the ocean.
The UN may face difficult challenges, but its core idea remains the same as in 1945: countries should work together, not against each other, to build a safer and healthier world.
Article vocabulary list
- Delegate: Someone chosen to represent a country or group.
- Conflict: Fighting or disagreement between groups.
- Headquarters: The main office or centre of an organisation.
- General Assembly: A meeting where every UN member gets one vote.
- Security Council: A smaller group of countries that makes major decisions about peace and safety.
- Peacekeeper: A person sent by the UN to help protect people during conflicts.
- Human rights: Basic rights and freedoms that all people should have.
- Sustainable: Something that can last a long time without harming the planet.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Why was the United Nations created in 1945?
A) To start new wars
B) To build tall buildings
C) To help countries work together and prevent future wars
Answer: C) To help countries work together and prevent future wars
2. Where is the UN headquarters located?
A) London
B) New York City
C) Geneva
Answer: B) New York City
3. Who leads the United Nations?
A) The President of the United States
B) The Mayor of New York
C) The Secretary-General
Answer: C) The Secretary-General
4. What is one of the UN’s main jobs?
A) Maintaining international peace
B) Winning sports competitions
C) Teaching children how to swim
Answer: A) Maintaining international peace
5. What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
A) A list of world leaders
B) A set of targets to improve life and protect the planet
C) A type of UN uniform
Answer: B) A set of targets to improve life and protect the planet
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
