A resolution is a declaration or decision approved by all members of the United Nations General Assembly through a vote. It must be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Assembly to become binding on its addressees (i.e., member states) if it is concerned with “important questions,” including the maintenance of international peace and security, admission of new members to the United Nations, suspension of the rights and privileges of membership, expulsion of members, operation of the trusteeship system, or budgetary issues.

In addition to resolutions, the Security Council may also produce non-binding presidential statements, usually in order to exert pressure or send a signal that further action is on its way. Press releases typically accompany both resolutions and presidential statements.

During the process of drafting a resolution, drafters consider a wide range of options in a bid to create a document that reflects the broadest possible consensus. The final draft is then voted on and, if passed, becomes a resolution of the Security Council. The Council then sets up a subsidiary body—the 1540 Committee—to implement the terms of the resolution. As part of the resolution, the committee is tasked with reporting to the Council on its implementation and monitoring progress. In a typical vote, nine votes are needed to adopt a resolution. This includes vetoes, a privilege of the five permanent Council members—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—that can block the adoption of a resolution.