While the United Nations system comprises many entities, the term "agencies" often refers to the specialized agencies, funds, and programs that work with the UN to coordinate their activities. Listing exactly 15 definitively labeled "agencies" is complex because the UN system is structured with various types of organizations. However, focusing on specialized agencies and adding key funds and programmes, here is a list of 15 prominent organizations that are often considered agencies within the UN system based on the provided context and further research:
Prominent UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes
The following table outlines 15 key entities within the UN system, acting as specialized agencies, funds, and programs.
| Agency/Fund/Programme | Description |
|---|---|
| Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | Works to defeat hunger by improving agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices. |
| International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) | Serves as the world's "Atoms for Peace and Development" organization within the United Nations family. |
| International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) | Establishes international standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection. |
| International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) | Invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. |
| International Labour Organization (ILO) | Deals with labour issues, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for all. |
| International Maritime Organization (IMO) | Works towards safe, secure, and efficient shipping on clean oceans. |
| International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Works to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. |
| International Organization for Migration (IOM) | Works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need. |
| United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) | Contributes to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture. |
| United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) | Works to promote and protect the human rights that are guaranteed under international law and stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. |
| United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) | Provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children worldwide. |
| United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) | Protects refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people, and assists in their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement to a third country. |
| United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) | Works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. |
| World Health Organization (WHO) | Acts as the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system. |
| World Bank Group | Provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity. |
It's important to note: The International Criminal Court (ICC), while related to the UN through the Rome Statute, is not formally a UN agency. It is an independent international tribunal.
