International organisations work on peace, health, trade and development across the world. Exams ask their full forms, purpose and headquarters. Many were formed after the Second World War.
The United Nations System
- UN (United Nations) - formed in 1945, works for world peace
- WHO - health; UNESCO - education, science and culture
- UNICEF - welfare of children
- FAO - food and agriculture
- The UN has 193 member states
Economic and Trade Bodies
- IMF - International Monetary Fund, monetary cooperation
- World Bank - finance for development
- WTO - World Trade Organization, formed in 1995
- OPEC - oil-exporting countries
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Regional Organisations
- SAARC - South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, formed in 1985
- ASEAN - Association of Southeast Asian Nations
- European Union (EU) - economic and political union in Europe
- BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and new members
Other Important Bodies
- NATO - military alliance of Western nations
- Red Cross - humanitarian work in disasters and war
- Interpol - international police cooperation
Quick Revision Points
- UN was formed in 1945; it has 193 members.
- WHO works on health; UNICEF on children.
- WTO was formed in 1995.
- SAARC was formed in 1985.
- IMF and World Bank are economic bodies.
- BRICS includes India and China.
- NATO is a military alliance.
- Red Cross does humanitarian work.