The United Nations, a global organization focusing on international relations and global issues, is structured with several specialized agencies each concentrated on specific areas of concern. These agencies include the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
The FAO is responsible for eliminating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting agricultural productivity. The agency collects information about food, agriculture, and resources contributing to policy formation and implementation process. Additionally, it supports sustainable agricultural practices and highlights the importance of nutritional requirements.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
UNIDO is dedicated to the industrial development of developing countries. It focuses on poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. The agency provides technical assistance, policy advice, and standard setting services to enhance the industrial capacities of these nations.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
ICAO works to ensure safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation worldwide. It establishes standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and regularity, and also for aviation environmental protection. The organization serves as the global forum of States for international aviation policy-making.
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
The UNWTO promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. It provides guidelines and technical assistance to maximize tourism’s socio-economic contribution while minimizing its possible negative impacts. It also encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, to safeguard the interests of consumers and facilitate fair competition.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
IFAD works to eradicate rural poverty in developing countries. It provides low-interest loans and grants to developing nations to finance innovative agricultural and rural development programs/projects that increase productivity and incomes. These initiatives aid the most vulnerable communities in rural areas.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
The UPU organizes and improves postal services worldwide. It promotes and coordinates international postal services and helps stimulate growth in mail, financial and parcel services. The organization ensures that a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services is established.
International Labour Organization (ILO)
The ILO aims to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. It sets international labour standards, develops policies and devises programs to ensure a fair deal for workers all over the world.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO is the directing and coordinating authority on international health. It’s responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring health trends.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
ITU is responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. It allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops technical standards that ensure networks and technologies interconnect seamlessly, and strives to improve access to IT services for communities worldwide.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The IMF fosters global monetary cooperation, secures financial stability, facilitates international trade, promotes high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduces poverty around the world. It offers policy advice and financing to members in economic difficulties.
World Bank
The World Bank provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries for development programs that are expected to improve economic prospects and reduce poverty. It offers aid for investments in the more impoverished regions to improve infrastructures, public administration systems, education levels, health status, and agricultural productivity.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
UNESCO promotes international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms to increase universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights. The organization works to create conditions for genuine dialogue based upon respect for shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.