Some International Organisations

A number of international organisations have been set up to deal with issues that concern the world in general, rather than the interests of individual countries. These organisations are not linked to political parties but often become involved in political matters.

World Health Organisation (WHO)

WHO is part of the United Nations. It promotes health matters worldwide and aims to raise medical standards and monitor diseases.

Amnesty International (AI)

Amnesty International is a charitable organisation set up in 1961. It campaigns for human rights throughout the world and against the detention of political prisoners.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

The IMF was established in 1944 and promotes world trade. It has 188 member countries.

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

This movement help the victims of events such as warfare and natural disasters.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)

Nato was founded in 1949. Ten countries signed a defence treaty and committed to help each other in the event of attack. There are 28 country members at present. The NATO headquarters is based in Belgium.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

UNICEF was set up in 1947. It works to improve the health and welfare of children and mothers in developing countries.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The OECD was formed in 1961. Its aim is to encourage the economic and social development in developed countries as well as provide aid to the developing countries.

World Bank

The World Bank was founded in 1944 and has 188 member countries. It helps developing countries by giving them loans.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

UNESCO was set up in 1946. It encourages countries to get together on matters such as education, culture and science.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

The WWF was set up in 1961 and is the world's largest conservation organisation. Its main aim is to protect endangered animals and the places where they live.

World Trade Organisation (WTO)

The Swiss-based WTO encourages international trade by establishing trade agreements between countries.