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International Organisations and Their Responsibilities

1. World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization, commonly known as WHO, is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.

Purpose and Focus Area

WHO aims to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. It focuses on various health issues, such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and the social determinants of health. Special missions, such as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and responses to health emergencies like pandemics are crucial parts of their work.

Membership or Participants

  • WHO has 194 member states, making its membership nearly global.

Headquarters and Origin

WHO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and was founded on 7 April 1948. It was established to respond to the health needs following World War II and to coordinate international health efforts.

Recently, WHO played a vital role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing guidance, resources, and support to countries around the world.

2. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, an agency that promotes world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture.

Purpose and Focus Area

UNESCO focuses on education for all, promoting cultural diversity, and advancing scientific collaboration. It publishes reports such as the Global Education Monitoring Report that tracks educational progress worldwide.

Membership or Participants

  • UNESCO has 193 member states, which encompasses a global membership focused on cultural and educational issues.

Headquarters and Origin

UNESCO is headquartered in Paris, France, and was established on 16 November 1945. It arose in the aftermath of World War II to foster international collaboration in educational, scientific, and cultural fields.

An example of UNESCO's impact is its designation of World Heritage Sites, which helps to protect and promote the world's most important cultural and natural heritage sites.

3. World Bank

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of poorer countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.

Purpose and Focus Area

The World Bank's primary goal is to reduce poverty by providing financial support, research, and technical expertise to developing countries. It focuses on projects in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Membership or Participants

  • The World Bank has 189 member countries, with membership spread across the globe.

Headquarters and Origin

The World Bank is headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, and was established in 1944 during the Bretton Woods Conference to help Europe rebuild after World War II.

One of its recent contributions is funding initiatives that improve health systems in low-income countries, leading to better health outcomes and increased economic productivity.

4. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is an intergovernmental military alliance between North American and European countries.

Purpose and Focus Area

NATO's purpose is to ensure the collective defence of its members, promoting peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. It runs several missions related to military training, crisis management, and counter-terrorism.

Membership or Participants

  • NATO has 31 member countries, primarily from Europe and North America.

Headquarters and Origin

NATO is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It was founded in 1949 in response to the threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

One of NATO's recent efforts can be seen in its involvement in peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan, aimed at rebuilding and securing a stable government in the region.

5. Group of Twenty (G20)

The Group of Twenty, or G20, is an international forum that consists of 19 countries plus the European Union, representing the world's largest economies.

Purpose and Focus Area

The G20 focuses on global economic governance, promoting international financial stability, and addressing global economic challenges such as climate change and development. It produces various reports to guide economic policy worldwide.

Membership or Participants

  • The G20 includes 19 countries and the EU, making it a global economic forum.

Headquarters and Origin

The G20 was established in 1999, following the Asian financial crisis, to provide a platform for international economic cooperation. Its annual summits serve as a venue for discussion on pressing global economic issues.

The G20 has played a crucial role in coordinating international economic responses during the global financial crisis and has continued to address issues such as sustainable development and trade policies.

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