Maintain International Peace and Security

One of the primary purposes of the United Nations is the maintenance of international peace and security. Since its creation, the UN has been called upon to prevent disputes from escalating into war, persuade opposing parties to use peaceable means rather than force, or help restore peace when armed conflict breaks out. UN activities cover the principal areas of conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, enforcement, and peacebuilding. Peacekeeping and political missions provide the time and space for building sustainable peace, enabling free and fair elections, and helping to disarm ex-combatants.

Also, lasting peace depends on pulling together resources to help countries foster economic development, social justice, respect for human rights, and good governance. No other institution has the global legitimacy, multilateral experience, competence, coordinating ability and impartiality that the United Nations brings in support of these tasks, including UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, and WFP that play key roles in the recovery phase and that provide opportunities for displaced persons.