Specialized agencies of the UNO

The specialized agencies are international, independent, self-governing organizations that work with the United Nations. The Economic and Social Council coordinates their activities.

International Labor Organization (ILO) was founded in 1919. It became a part of the UNO in 1946. The primary aim of ILO is to solve problems and disputes by bringing government, labor, and management together. ILO makes recommendations concerning pay, working conditions, trade union rights, safety, woman and child labor, and social security. It also assists governments in economic development by missions and fellowships. ILO has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It was founded 1945 and in1946 it was brought into relationship with the United Nations. FAO seeks to increase production from farms, forests, and fisheries and to improve distribution. It also provides expert assistance to governments and works to improve nutrition. FAO headquarters are situated in Rome, Italy.

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded in 1946. UNESCO seeks to broaden the base of education throughout the world, to bring the benefits of science to all countries, and to encourage cultural interchange. National Commissions act as liaison groups between UNESCO and the educational, scientific, and cultural life of their own countries. UNESCO has its headquarters in Paris, France.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). A provisional organization began work in August 1945 and was replaced by the permanent body (ICAO) in the structure of UNO in April 1947. ICAO encourages use of safety measures, uniform regulations for operation, and simpler procedures at borders. It promotes the use of new technical methods and equipment and participates in the United Nations technical assistance program. The headquarters of ICAO are in Montreal, Canada.

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) or World Bank. Founded in 1945, it began its work in relationship with the United Nations in 1947. The World Bank furthers economic development of members by granting loans for productive projects and by furnishing technical advice. It also promotes private foreign investment and world trade. It has its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

International Finance Corporation (IFC). IFC was founded in 1956 and it is closely affiliated with the World Bank. It underwrites and invests in private industry in underdeveloped countries and plays a leading role in helping industrial development banks.

International Development Association (IDA). It is another affiliate of the World Bank established in 1960. It lends money on more flexible terms than those of the Bank but uses the same high standards of planning and execution in considering loans.

International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Fund (1947) promotes international monetary cooperation and stabilized currencies. It sells currency to members for international trade and offers help on financial problems. All financial agencies of UNO have their headquarters in Washington, D.C.

World Health Organization (WHO). An Interim Commission, formed in 1946, carried out preparatory work for creation of WHO. The permanent WHO was brought into relationship with the United Nations in 1948. WHO acts as a world clearinghouse for medical and scientific information, it sets international standards for drugs and vaccines; administers international sanitary regulations governing land, sea, and air traffic; and, on government request, helps fight disease in any country. The headquarters of WHO are in Geneva, Switzerland.

Universal Postal Union (UPU). It was brought into relationship with the United Nations in 1948. It unites member countries into a single postal territory and fixes international postal rates. Every member agrees to transmit the mail of other members by the best means available. UPU's International Bureau with the headquarters in Bern, Switzerland is a clearinghouse for international postal accounts.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was created in 1932 by merging International Telegraph Union and International Radiotelegraph Union. It became an agency of the United Nations in 1947. ITU promotes international cooperation in telecommunications, allocates radio frequencies, and seeks to establish the lowest possible rates.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO). International Meteorological Organization (IMO), the predecessor of WMO, was founded 1878. WMO was founded 1951. It became an agency of the United Nations in 1951. WMO promotes international cooperation in establishing world-wide networks of meteorological stations and rapid weather-data exchange.

Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) was formed in 1959 when 21 nations ratified its convention, drawn up in 1948. IMCO encourages safety measures and seeks the removal of shipping restrictions. It has its Headquarters in London, England.

Ex. 14. Identify the areas of UNO’s concern considering the aims of the specialized agencies of UNO.

Ex. 15. Study the text and prepare a short descriptive report on the scope of concern of the UNO’s commissions.

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