International Organisations are crucial pillars to maintain world order and for smooth interactions and operations between various countries. lists out important international organisations carrying out such crucial tasks.
1. United Nations (UN), the most prominent International Organisation
Established: 1945
Headquarters: New York, United States of America
Members: 193 countries
The United Nations primary purpose is to maintain peace and security throughout the world. Formed after the end of World War II, it has done an excellent job of preventing another similar catastrophe till now. Known as the most important international body till date, it helps in promoting cooperation and trade between its member states. It has around 17 specialised organisations and agencies under it catering to various needs and necessities in the international arena. Further details of some of the UN organisations have been provided below.
2. World Bank, the most important financial international organisation
Established: 1945
Headquarters: Washington DC, United States of America
Members: 190 countries
The World Bank was one of the two organisations born out of the famous Bretton Woods conference (the other being Internationa Monetary Fund). The primary purpose of the World Bank is to act as a credit lender to nations of the world. Recently, the World Bank has moved its focus on reducing poverty throughout the world. India and China are two of the main recipients of its loans.
3. World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Established: 1995
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Members: 164 countries
The World Trade Organisation was established in 1995 to replace the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT) as the primary facilitator of trade between nations. As guessed the primary purpose of WTO is to facilitate trade between countries and resolve disputes between its members. After the formation of the European Union, the bloc has been dealing with the WTO as a whole unit to increase its bargaining power. The feats of reducing barriers and boosting trade between its members by WTO in its 23-year history has been quite impressive.
4. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Established: 1945
Headquarters: Washington DC, United States of America
Members: 190 countries
Born in 1945 in Bretton Woods Conference, along with World Bank, the International Monetary Fud has done an exemplar duty of providing policy advice and framework to its member states. IMF current duty entails managing international crises and managing risks in balance of payment. IMF has been one of the primary beacons of globalisation of world trade.
5. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
Established: 1946
Headquarters: Paris, France
Members: 195 countries
UNESCO is one of the major pillars of the United Nations Organisation. Its primary purpose is to promote and preserve the cultural intregrity of its member states. Its other duty also involves promoting peace through it’s various educational and scientific programs. UNESCO hosts a number of events each year to support the development of underdeveloped regions and provide basic human rights in the times of need.
6. World Health Organisation (WHO)
Established: 1948
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Members: 193 countries
The World Health Organisation is a branch organisation of the United Nations ad is responsible for maintaining world health report and taking world health survey, At times of any major disease outbreak, WHO will act as a primary coordinator between various affected countries. It also played a major role in eradicating deadly smallpox virus which has been plaguing humanity for many centuries.
7. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
Established: 1946
Headquarters: New York, United States of America
Members: 190 countries
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is an important part of the United Nations Organisation catering to the needs of Women and children in developing nations. For their major contributions to the benefit of humanity, UNICEF was awarded with Nobel Peace Prize in 1965. UNICEF primarily depends on the donations from the member countries and private donors to run its operations on a daily basis.
