Four UN Agencies You Might Not Know About
When most people think of the United Nations, they think of the General Assembly, the UN’s main policy-making body. What not everyone realizes is that while the General Assembly is an integral organ in the UN system, it is only one part of an interconnected network of agencies that help the UN function. While agencies such as UNICEF, WHO, and UNHCR have become household names, they are just a few of the specialized agencies, funds, and programmes that make up the UN system. Read on to learn more about a few agencies that you may not know about!
Photo: Flickr/Kurt Raschke
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Founded: 1947
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
Current Secretary-General: Juan Carlos Salazar
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was created in 1947 to conduct research, inspire innovation, and establish international standards for air travel. ICAO has seven regional offices around the world, which help to coordinate and maintain these diplomatic initiatives. In addition to diplomacy and research, ICAO has a carbon offsetting program, known as CORSIA, that is working to aid in the reduction of atmospheric carbon. This program uses carbon offsetting as a tool that aircraft operators purchase in order to reduce the impacts of the aviation industry on climate change.
In addition to their diplomatic efforts, ICAO hosts student-focused activities to involve and immerse young people in international diplomacy. Model ICAO events provide students from all 193 Member States an opportunity to study and participate in Case Study competitions and global aviation challenges. Through these events, ICAO raises awareness and inspires the next generation of global aviation professionals.
Photo: UN Photo/JC McIlwaine
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Founded: 1977
Headquarters: Rome, Italy
Current Executive Director: Gilbert F. Houngbo
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), along with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), is one of the three UN food entities based in Rome, which serves as the UN’s food and agriculture hub. IFAD is an international financial institution that has been dedicated, over the past decades, to ensuring that people in rural areas have access to financial food and agricultural resources. By providing rural farmers with access to markets, technology, and information, IFAD provides the tools for these farmers to climb out of poverty while also strengthening their resilience to climate change.
Last summer, we hosted a Summer Series to explore how food systems work on both a local and global stage. One of the events of the series, which investigated how the UN works with the world’s international food systems, included guest panelist Ron Hartman, Director of Global Engagement, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization at IFAD, as well as speakers from the WFP and FAO. Click here to watch a recording of this event.
Photo: Svenkaj/Wikimedia
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Founded: 1874
Headquarters: Bern, Switzerland
Current Director General: Masahiko Metoki
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is not your typical mailman. Established in 1874, the UPU predates the UN’s founding—in fact, it is the second-oldest international organization in the world! The UPU consists of four bodies that work together in order to safely and effectively guarantee the free circulation of post between nations in our ultra-connected world. With modern technological advancements, the UPU remains as relevant as ever, encouraging the adoption of fair common technological standards.
The UPU not only works to develop and maintain communication but hosts a variety of social and educational campaigns as well. Their recent Dangerous Goods campaign educates global citizens about the variety of items that cannot travel through the international postal network. Currently, the UPU is hosting an international letter-writing competition to encourage youth to work on their letter-writing skills. In response to the recent COP-26 conference and in preparation for COP-27 which will be hosted in Egypt, this competition gives young people an outlet and opportunity to have their voices heard on an international stage.
Photo: Flickr/Marie Patureau
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Founded: 1950
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Current Secretary-General: Petteri Taalas
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which was established in 1950, was created to facilitate the exchange of meteorological data, information, services, and products across international borders. In light of the climate crisis, WMO has been instrumental in monitoring the environment and kickstarting protection programs. These programs have been key as governments attempt to combat climate change and ensure sustainable development and well-being. In addition to their international monitoring efforts, WMO also provides advice and assessments for governments looking to integrate environmental conventions and sustainable development practices.
WMO annually collaborates with UNEP to release the IPCC report, which details the state of climate change as well as its impacts, risks, and potential combative measures to reduce the rate at which it is taking place. In 2021, we hosted an event with guest panelists Paula DiPerna, Emeka Ngwube, and Janos Pasztor to discuss its implications. Click here to watch a recording of this event.