The United Nations organisation was established in 1945 tasked with the principle purposes of maintaining international peace and security; developing friendly relations among nations; cooperating in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to operate as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends. Member states maintain permanent offices of representation, known as missions, to the UN in order to facilitate communication and activity with the organisation. The majority of these are based at the UN Headquarters in New York City, United States of America. A number of states also maintain permanent missions to the UN in Geneva, Switzerland.