Sites 

United Nations from East River

Location : 1st Ave and 46th Street
Phone : (212) 963 7713
Admission : Adults $6.50, Seniors & students $4.50
Admission : Children under 16 $3.50, Children under 5 : Not permitted
Admission : call (212) 963 7713
Hours : 9.15am - 4.45pm
Hours : Closed weekends January and February
Subway : 4,5,6,7 train to Grand Central station

General

Founded in 1945, in the aftermath of World War 2, initially with 51 members now with more than 180 is the United Nations. It aims to preserve world peace, promote self-determination, champion human rights, aid social and economic well being all around the world. John D. Rockefeller Jr donated the $8.5 million required to purchase the site on the East River. The 7ha ( 18 acre ) site is not considered US territory but an international zone with its own post office and stamps. Outside you will see the 184 flags of member nations.

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Tours

Guided tours of the buildings leave regularly from the General Assembly Public Lobby, which is located at 1st and 46th streets. Tours last about 45 minutes and leave every 15 minutes. You tour is offered in a number of languages by guides in national dress, so make sure you are on the right tour before you commence. The tour will pass through some of the most important rooms of the United Nations including :

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Security Council

The most famous and powerful entity within the United Nations. The assembly strives to achieve international peace and security for all nations and has intervened in many regions of the world such as Cyprus, Kuwait and Cambodia. It is the only body whose decision member states are obliged to obey, and the only one that is in continuous session.
Five of the members of the Council are permanent, these being : China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. Other nations are elected by the General Assembly to serve two year terms.

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Trusteeship Council

This is the smallest of the Councils, it was established originally with the goal of fostering peaceful independence for non-self-governing territories or colonies. Since then more than 80 colonies haves gained self rule. The Council currently consists of the five permanent members of the Security Council.

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Economic and Social Council

All the 54 members work to improve the standard of living and social welfare around the world. These goals consume 80% of the resources of the United Nations resources. The Council makes recommendations to the General Assembly, to each member nation and to the United Nations other specialised agencies.

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General Assembly

This is the only United Nations area in which all member states are represented. There is a regular three month session is held each year. Special sessions are also held when the Security Council or a majority of members request one. All member nations are represented with an equal vote, regardless of size. The General Assembly may discuss any international problem raised by any of its members or Councils.
Lots are drawn before each session to determine the seating arrangements for the delegations. All 2070 seats in the chamber are equipped with earphone that offer translations in several languages. The General Assembly also appoints the Secretary General ( on the recommendation of the Security Council ), approve United Nations budgets and elects non-permanent members of the Councils. Together with the Security Council it also appoints the judges of the International Court of Justice based in the Netherlands.

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Summary

A visit to the United Nations is definitely worthwhile. You may have to wait a little while until your language of choice tour starts but it is well worth the wait. When the Councils are not in session you are able to enter the rooms and view the rooms from the visitors seats. You are also permitted to take photos of the rooms but it is always best to check with your tour guide first. Once the tour has finished stop off at the United Nations post office for a full range of philatelic material unique to the United Nations. Before you leave spend some time walking the beautiful grounds of this sanctuary from the city. Look for various statues and art work donated by the nations of the World, and don't forget the view across the East River.

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