United Nations
an international organization composed of 193 independent member states that aims to promote international peace and stability, human rights, and economic development. The United Nations was established in 1945 and remains the only organization with practically universal membership among the world’s countries. It includes the Security Council, General Assembly, and a range of other bodies; a secretary-general, currently António Guterres, serves as its leader. The United Nations also has an array of affiliated programs and agencies, such as the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Development Program (UNDP), and the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).