United Nations (UN) specialized agencies are international organizations established by the UN to deal with specific issues or areas of expertise. These agencies operate independently of the UN but work in close collaboration with the UN to achieve common goals. The UN has over 15 specialized agencies that are responsible for various areas of work, including education, health, finance, labor, food and agriculture, and telecommunications, among others. Some of the well-known UN specialized agencies include: World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), among others. These agencies have their own governing bodies and budgets, but they work closely with the UN and other international organizations. Through their work, UN specialized agencies play a critical role in promoting international cooperation, addressing global challenges, and improving the lives of people around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for directing and coordinating international health within the UN system. Mission and Vision WHO’s objective, as stated in its Constitution, is “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.” Its modern mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the Read More
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), established in 1944 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (also known as the Chicago Convention). Key Role and Function In essence, ICAO provides the technical and diplomatic framework that allows the world’s commercial air transport network to operate safely and seamlessly across international borders.5 Its Read More
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to promoting and accelerating Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID) in its member states. Mission and Mandate UNIDO’s central mission, reaffirmed by the 2013 Lima Declaration and the 2019 Abu Dhabi Declaration, is to promote ISID. This concept advocates for industrial growth that is: Read More
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for information and communication technology (ICT) issues. Established in 1865, ITU is the oldest international organization in the field of telecommunications. ITU’s primary objective is to promote the development and efficient use of telecommunications networks and services. This includes standardization of telecommunications technologies, allocation of Read More
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO believes Read More
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