ABSTRACT
The formulation “peace, development, and human rights” has long been used as shorthand for the founding aims or pillars of the United Nations, with “sustainable” now prefacing “development” to reflect the importance of climate and environmental issues; in addition, the magnitude of humanitarian operations means that often they constitute a fourth pillar. The interdependent nature of the pillars is strongly implied in the Preamble to the UN Charter, which establishes the world organization’s purpose as collective action to maintain international peace and create the conditions for it through cooperation on social progress and equal rights for all.
