Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Today, we're discussing the General Assembly, which is one of the six main organs of the United Nations. Can anyone tell me how many member countries are there in the UN?
There are 193 member countries!
That's correct! And each of those countries has one vote in the General Assembly. This is important because it ensures that every country, big or small, has an equal say. Can anyone think of a benefit of having one country, one vote?
It means smaller countries can be heard just like bigger ones!
Exactly! This concept promotes fairness and democracy. Now, what role do you think the General Assembly plays in solving global issues?
It discusses problems and makes recommendations for solutions!
Very well said! The General Assembly facilitates discussions on important matters like peace and development. Let's remember the acronym 'DIP' for this: Discuss, Initiate, Propose!
Now, let's dive deeper into the functions of the General Assembly. Who can list some issues it addresses?
It talks about peace, security, and maybe development issues too!
Correct! The General Assembly discusses peace and security concerns, humanitarian aid, and even economic development. Do you think all of its recommendations are binding?
No, they are just recommendations, so countries can choose to follow them or not.
Right! While the Assembly's resolutions aren't binding, they carry political weight. That’s often enough to influence member states' actions! Let's remember: 'Recommend, Influence, Guide' or 'RIG' for its significance.
Let's talk about how the General Assembly operates during its sessions. How often does it meet?
It meets annually!
Exactly! During these sessions, every country gets the chance to voice its opinions. Can someone tell me what they think happens after all the discussions?
They vote on resolutions!
Absolutely! After discussions, the member states vote on resolutions. It’s a democratic process. To help us remember this process, think of 'DVR' - Discuss, Vote, Resolve!
So after they discuss everything, they vote to resolve it!
Exactly! You've got it! Let's move on to how those resolutions impact nations.
Every member country has one vote in the General Assembly, ensuring fairness.
The General Assembly can recommend actions, but its decisions are not legally binding on member states.
The General Assembly meets once a year to discuss global issues and vote on resolutions.
In the UN Hall, all voices call, one vote for each, fairness over all.
Imagine a classroom where every student has one vote, ensuring everyone’s opinion on what to play is heard; that’s how the General Assembly ensures even the smallest country is significant.
Remember 'DIP' for General Assembly: Discuss, Initiate, Propose.
RIG: Recommend, Influence, Guide - showing the Assembly's power.
Term
What is the General Assembly?
Click to flip
Term
Why is one country, one vote important?
Click to flip
The principal deliberative assembly of the United Nations where all member countries participate equally in discussing international issues.
Formal expressions of the opinion or will of the General Assembly, which serve as recommendations.
Countries that participate in the United Nations and have the right to vote in the General Assembly.
The General Assembly is one of the six main organs of the United Nations where all member countries come together to discuss and make recommendations on international issues.
The General Assembly consists of all 193 member countries, each having one vote to discuss and suggest actions on global concerns, such as peace, security, and development. It serves as a forum for dialogue and cooperation among nations.
The General Assembly is a fundamental organ of the United Nations, composed of all 193 member countries that participate equitably.
The General Assembly’s structure and function promote inclusiveness and democratic principles within the United Nations framework, enabling smaller nations to have a voice in global matters. Its decisions, though often non-binding, carry significant moral and political weight, influencing global politics and international relations.