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United Nations:The UN was founded on 24 October 1945 to maintain international peace and security and to develop social, political and economic co-operation among member states. It's principal bodies are the General Assembly, in which all member states are represented, and the Security Council, which is made up of 15 representatives, five of which are permanent - China, France, Russia, UK, US - and 10 others elected for a 2 year term. The UN's functions are carried out by specialised subordinate agencies. Some of these, including peacekeeping and care of refugees, are under the direct control of the UN Secretariat. Others, including the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), are affiliated to the UN but have distinct national memberships and autonomous administrative structures.
Commonwealth:The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of nations comprised of former colonies, dominions and dependant territories of the UK, plus a number of other states with a close historical affinity to these. All members of the C. are also members of the UN.