The architect of the United Nations is often recognized as U.S. diplomat Harry S. Truman, who served as President during its formation in 1945. The UN was established in the aftermath of World War II to promote international cooperation, peace, and security. Key figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt played significant roles in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UN aimed to prevent future conflicts and facilitate dialogue between nations, reflecting a collective desire for a more unified approach to global challenges following the devastation of war.