Purpose: To promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries and to provide a platform for dialogue. The UN has several specialized agencies and bodies, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
International Monetary Fund (IMF):
Founded: 1944 (officially commenced operations in 1947)
Purpose: To ensure the stability of the international monetary system, promote exchange stability, facilitate balanced growth of international trade, and contribute to global economic stability.
World Bank Group:
Founded: 1944 (officially commenced operations in 1946)
Purpose: To provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries for development projects and programs that are expected to improve economic prospects and quality of life for people.
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT):
Founded: 1947
Purpose: To promote international trade by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. It was later replaced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
Founded: 1949
Purpose: To establish a collective defense system where member countries agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by an external party.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):
Founded: 1961 (as a successor to the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation, OEEC, established in 1948)
Purpose: To promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.
Council of Europe:
Founded: 1949
Purpose: To uphold human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe. It’s distinct from the European Union.
European Union (EU):
Founded: The roots of the EU can be traced back to the European Coal and Steel Community (1951) and the European Economic Community (1957). The EU itself was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993.
Purpose: To promote economic and political integration among member countries.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Founded: 1945
Purpose: To promote collaboration among nations through education, science, and culture.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
Founded: 1945
Purpose: To lead international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
