UN Specialized Agencies
The Specialized Agencies are autonomous intergovernmental organizations. They are brought into relationship with the United Nations through special agreements concluded by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in accordance with the Charter (art. 57 & 63). They carry out various functions on behalf of the UN and have their own headquarters.
Activities
Some of the specialized agencies have been in existence long before the United Nations, whereas others have been established much later:
- the oldest agency is the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), founded in 1865
- the most recent is the World Trade Organization (WTO), founded in 1995.
The specialized agencies are funded by contributions from member states.
Chief Executives Board
The coordination of the specialized agencies towards the UN and among each other is performed by The United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB). The CEB is composed of
- the UN Secretary-General as the chairman
- the executive heads of the specialized agencies.
The CEB was earlier known as the Administrative Committee of Coordination (ACC).
Joint Inspection Unit
The Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) conducts inspections and investigations of
the efficiency of the UN, its programmes, funds and specialized agencies.
Publishing and depository libraries
The specialized agencies have their own documentation and publishing. They also have their own depository library system, linked to relevant libraries in their member states.
UN Specialized Agencies
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations the leading agency for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development.
ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization safeguards the orderly development of civil aviation.
IFAD
International Fund for Agricultural Development supports increased food production in poor communities by providing funding and resources to poor farmers and landless peoples in developing countries.
ILO
International Labour Organization is a labour organization with the goal of improving conditions for workers around the world.
IMF
International Monetary Fund promotes multilateral monetary co-operation and stability.
IMO
International Maritime Organization a forum for international cooperation on rules and practices for safety at sea.
ITU
International Telecommunication Union promotes and coordinates the establishment and operations of global telecommunication networks and services.
UNESCO
United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace by promoting collaboration among nations through culture, science, education and media.
UNIDO
United Nations Industrial Development Organization is a coordinating body for industrial activities and international industrial cooperation.
UNWTO
World Tourism Organization serves as a global forum for the development of responsible and sustainable tourism around the world.
UPU
Universal Postal Union secures and improve postal services throughout the world.
WHO
World Health Organization is the United Nations specialized agency for health.
WIPO
World Intellectual Property Organization promote respect for intellectual property worldwide.
WMO
World Meteorological Organization promotes efficient exchange of meteorological observations worldwide..
World Bank Group
World Bank Group (WBG) provides loans, technical assistance and policy advice to developing countries for the purpose of reducing poverty and promoting sustainable economic development.
Related Organizations
IAEA
International Atomic Energy Agency promotes and safeguards the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
ICC
International criminal court (ICC) is an international permanent court for the prosecution of serious crimes against humanity, including war crimes, crime of aggression and genocide.
UNFCCC (UN climate change)
UNFCCC (UN Climate Change) - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - is the UN entity tasked woth supporting the global response to the threat of climate change.
WTO
World Trade Organization oversees the rules of international trade and the settlement of international trade disputes between Governments, and to organize trade negotiations.
More on UN Specialized Agencies
- Joint Inspection Unit, JIU, submits an annual report to the General Assembly in the documentary series General Assembly Official Records. Supplement No. 34.
- Basic facts about the United Nations, 42nd Editions. This UN publication offers an overview of the specialized agencies. It is updated regularly.