What is the main purpose of the UN Security Council sanctions?

The main purpose of the UN Security Council sanctions is to maintain or restore international peace and security. Sanctions are tools used by the Security Council to respond to threats to peace, acts of aggression, or violations of international law. When the Security Council identifies a situation that poses a risk to peace, it may impose sanctions on a country or group to compel compliance with international norms or to deter further misconduct. These sanctions can take various forms, including economic restrictions, arms embargoes, travel bans, and diplomatic measures, all aimed at mitigating conflict and re-establishing stability.

Other options, while they may be significant in different contexts, do not align with the core function of the Security Council. Promoting economic growth or facilitating trade agreements does not directly address issues of peace and security. Similarly, encouraging cultural exchanges is important for fostering international understanding, but it falls outside the mandate of the Security Council's decision-making powers regarding sanctions, which are specifically focused on responding to threats to peace and security.