On its 79th anniversary, the United Nations continues to face scrutiny for its effectiveness in promoting peace and resolving conflicts. However, the organisation has played a pivotal role in shaping the world order over the past decades, particularly in the creation of Israel and the Korean War. From the UN Special Committee on Palestine to the adoption of Resolution 181, the organisation's decisions have had lasting impacts on the Middle East. Similarly, the UN's condemnation of North Korea's invasion of South Korea played a crucial role in the Korean War. Despite facing criticism for its handling of these conflicts, the UN's decisions continue to have a profound impact on global politics.
Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations
Eleanor Roosevelt was a prominent American diplomat and activist who served as the United States delegate to the United Nations General Assembly from 1948 to 1952. She was a strong advocate for human rights and social justice, and her work at the UN helped to shape the organization's mission and goals.
Roosevelt was born in 1884 into a wealthy New York City family. She married Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1905, and they had six children together. After her husband was elected president in 1932, Roosevelt became involved in politics and social work. She was particularly concerned with the rights of women and children, and she worked to improve conditions for the poor and disadvantaged.
In 1948, Roosevelt was appointed by President Harry Truman to be the United States delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. She was the first woman to serve in this role, and she quickly became one of the organization's most respected and influential members.
As a delegate, Roosevelt worked to promote human rights and social justice. She was a strong advocate for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. She also worked to improve the status of women and children, and she helped to establish the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Roosevelt served as a UN delegate until 1952. After her tenure at the UN, she continued to work for human rights and social justice. She was a founding member of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and she served as a member of the American Civil Liberties Union board of directors.
Roosevelt died in 1962. She is remembered as a pioneer for human rights and social justice, and her work at the United Nations helped to shape the organization's mission and goals.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What was Eleanor Roosevelt's role at the United Nations? Eleanor Roosevelt was the United States delegate to the United Nations General Assembly from 1948 to 1952. She was the first woman to serve in this role, and she quickly became one of the organization's most respected and influential members.
2. What were some of Roosevelt's accomplishments at the UN? Roosevelt was a strong advocate for human rights and social justice. She worked to promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and she helped to establish the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
3. Why was Roosevelt such an influential figure at the UN? Roosevelt was a respected diplomat and activist. She had a deep understanding of international affairs, and she was a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice.
4. What is Roosevelt's legacy? Roosevelt is remembered as a pioneer for human rights and social justice. Her work at the United Nations helped to shape the organization's mission and goals, and her advocacy for human rights continues to inspire people around the world.
5. How can I learn more about Eleanor Roosevelt? There are many resources available about Eleanor Roosevelt. You can find books, articles, and online materials about her life and work. You can also visit the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York.
In a historic first, India will host the International Cooperative Alliance's global conference and General Assembly, where Prime Minister Modi will launch the 'United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025'. The event will be held in New Delhi from November 25-30 and will see over 3,000 delegates, including esteemed guests from Bhutan and Fiji. Despite challenges, the event will showcase India's commitment to the global cooperative movement and highlight the importance of cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.
In a surprising turn of events, Kenyan President William Ruto has cancelled two major deals with India's Adani Group after its founder was indicted in the US for corruption. The deals, worth nearly $2 billion, included a 30-year lease for control of the country's main airport and a partnership to construct power transmission lines. Ruto cited "new information" from investigative agencies and partner nations as the reason for the cancellation, drawing thunderous applause from lawmakers in his state of the nation address. The move has sparked concerns about transparency and value for money in these deals, which have faced criticism from politicians and the public.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Security Strategic Working Group, comprising representatives from all MSG member states, has successfully completed their sixth workshop meeting in Honiara last week. They have discussed the outcomes of their consultations with NGOs and CSOs in each member country, and agreed on the next steps to finalize the MSG Peace and Security Strategy. This is seen as a significant step for the sub-region in facing common threats, and the finalized report will be tabled at the upcoming Police Commissioner's and Police Minister's Meeting in Indonesia next year.
A video claiming to show Indian and Chinese armed forces chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ amid the recent disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh has been circulating on social media. However, the truth is that the video is not recent and has been on the internet since January 2024. It was originally shared as footage of Indian Army personnel chanting the slogan after the consecration of the idol of Hindu deity Ram at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. A keyword search led to several news reports from January 2024, clarifying that the video is not recent and its authenticity has not been verified.
A group of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, Laos fell ill after a night out on November 12th, possibly from drinking tainted alcohol. As of now, five deaths have been confirmed, including a British lawyer identified as Simone White and a young Australian woman. The Australian Prime Minister has expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of Bianca Jones and hopes for the recovery of her friend, Holly Bowles. Western government officials are supporting the families of the victims and urging caution for travelers in the popular backpacking destination.
Laishram Herojit, a low-level government worker, has appealed for the safe return of his family who went missing after an encounter between suspected Kuki insurgents and security forces in Manipur. Two women, including Herojit's wife, and an eight-year-old child are among the six people who went missing. Herojit has called for the release of his innocent family and has appealed to any group that may be holding them hostage to return them unharmed. He recalls getting a call from his wife during the violence, which later got disconnected, and a Bengali friend later informed him that they were taken away in a boat.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and two Hamas officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite rejection from Mr. Netanyahu's office, the court's decision highlights international concern over the 13-month war in Gaza and the 2023 attack on Israel. While the warrants may limit the suspects' movements, the practical implications are limited as Israel and the US are not members of the court.
Guyana's President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a ceremony at the State House, conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of Excellence'. Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, expressed his gratitude and dedicated the honour to India's 1.4 billion people. This recognition is a testament to India's strong commitment towards deepening friendship with Guyana and demonstrates the country's unbiased approach towards international relations.
As the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years, PM Modi's arrival marks a momentous occasion for the community. The Indian diaspora, which makes up over 40% of Guyana's population, eagerly awaits the world leader and shanti-doot who strives to unite the world and propel India into its golden age. PM Modi's visit marks a significant moment for the Indian community, deeply rooted in their traditions and eagerly showcasing their vibrant culture to welcome the Prime Minister. During this visit, PM Modi will also co-chair the second India-CARICOM Summit with the Prime Minister of Grenada, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration.
In a move to slow Russian advances in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has approved the provision of anti-personnel mines to the Ukrainian military. This comes as reports state that North Korean troops have joined Russian marines and airborne units in battles throughout the country. The addition of anti-personnel mines marks a new level of assistance from the US in the ongoing conflict, with the mines being more deadly and longer-lasting than the previously provided anti-tank mines. Meanwhile, Ukraine's air defence units are actively working to repel a Russian air attack on the capital city of Kyiv.