In the immediate aftermath of World War II, concerns about nuclear proliferation and the destructive power of atomic weapons were at the forefront of international discourse. On January 24, 1946, the newly formed United Nations General Assembly met in New York and passed its first resolution, which authorized the establishment of the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (UNAEC). The resolution was motivated by a desire to harness the potential benefits of atomic energy for peaceful purposes while simultaneously preventing its use for military aggression, especially in light of the atomic bomb's deployment during the war against Japan.

The UNAEC aimed to provide a forum for member states to cooperate on the peaceful applications of atomic energy and to develop regulatory frameworks to mitigate the risks of nuclear warfare. It called for an international effort to encourage scientific research and technological advancement in the nuclear field. Key member states, including the United States and the Soviet Union, were initially enthusiastic about promoting the peaceful use of atomic energy, although differing ideologies and national interests would later complicate these efforts.

The establishment of the UNAEC also set the stage for future discussions around arms control and international treaties concerning nuclear weapons. As the Cold War intensified, the commission faced challenges in achieving its goals, leading to various treaties and agreements focused on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

This resolution was the UN's first formal step toward addressing the implications of atomic energy, reflecting a collective recognition of the necessity for global governance in an era where nuclear capabilities were likely to influence international relations significantly. The establishment of the UNAEC remains a cornerstone moment in the evolution of nuclear diplomacy.