Member states of the United Nations refer to countries that are officially recognized and have voluntarily joined the United Nations (UN) as sovereign nations. The UN is an international organization founded in 1945 with the objective of promoting peace, security, and cooperation among its member states, as well as addressing global issues and promoting sustainable development. Currently, there are 195 member states of the United Nations, encompassing the vast majority of the world's nations.
To become a member state of the United Nations, a country must satisfy the requirements specified under the UN Charter, including being a peace-loving state that accepts the obligations outlined in the Charter. Membership is typically achieved through a formal application process, followed by a recommendation from the UN Security Council and approval by a two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly.
Member states enjoy various rights and responsibilities within the UN framework, such as participation in the General Assembly, where each country has one vote, and the ability to hold elected positions in specialized agencies and subsidiary bodies. Additionally, member states are bound by the principles of the UN Charter, which include respecting the sovereign equality of all nations, refraining from the use of force except in self-defense, and promoting human rights and international cooperation.
The member states of the United Nations collectively play a crucial role in addressing global challenges, contributing to peacekeeping missions, engaging in multilateral diplomacy, and shaping international norms and policies through negotiations and resolutions.
