January 17: UN Security Council held its first session (1946)

UN Security Council Chamber

The United Nation's Security Council held its first session at the Church House, Westminster, London, on January 17, 1946. The Security Council is the one of the principal organs of the United Nations and, in fact, it is the most powerful organ of the United Nations. The UN Legal Advisor interprets its power as "No Security Council resolutions can be described as unenforceable."  Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations and international sanctions and the authorization of military action. There are 15 members of the Council, which consist of five veto-wielding permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) and 10 elected non-permanent members with two year terms.