Chapter 22: United Nations – Major Agencies & Their Functions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the formation, structure, aims, functions and achievements of key UN specialized agencies: UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, UNDP and ILO.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Principal UN organ that monitors and co-ordinates the work of specialized agencies.

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

UN agency created in 1946 to protect children’s rights and welfare, operating under ECOSOC.

UNICEF Cards

Greeting cards sold worldwide as a popular method of raising funds for UNICEF.

International Year of the Child (1979)

UNICEF-led observance to focus global attention on children’s rights and welfare.

UNICEF Awards

Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 and the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace in 1989 for its humanitarian work.

Four-Point Programme (UNICEF)

Strategy against preventable childhood diseases: Immunization, Oral Rehydration, Breast-feeding advocacy, Growth Monitoring.

UNICEF Emergency Aid

Relief for children affected by floods, earthquakes, droughts, wars and endemic diseases.

UNICEF Women’s Development

Provides maternity homes, supports conventions against trafficking, and protects women’s and children’s rights.

World Health Organization (WHO)

UN agency founded on 7 April 1948 to attain the highest possible level of health for all peoples.

World Health Day

Annual health awareness day celebrated every 7 April to mark WHO’s founding.

Health for All

WHO’s guiding cause aimed at universal physical and mental well-being.

Health for All by 2000

Target set by WHO in 1977 involving education, nutrition, sanitation, family planning, immunization and disease control.

World Health Assembly

WHO’s governing body comprising all UN member states; meets annually to set policies and review work.

WHO Executive Board

31 technically qualified health specialists elected by the World Health Assembly to execute WHO’s programmes.

WHO–UNICEF Immunization Programme

Joint effort to vaccinate children worldwide against measles, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis, polio and whooping cough.

WHO Global Achievements

Eradication of smallpox, decline of cholera & plague epidemics, elimination of guinea worm and reduced infant mortality.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Specialized agency formed 16 Nov 1945 (effective 4 Nov 1946) to promote peace through education, science, culture and communication.

Literacy Year 1990

Year declared by UNESCO to intensify global efforts toward eliminating illiteracy.

UNESCO Organs

General Conference, Executive Board (51 members) and Secretariat headquartered in Paris.

UNESCO Aims

Promote peace, goodwill and security by fostering international collaboration in education, science, culture and communication.

UNESCO – ‘Conscience of Mankind’

Title given by Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting UNESCO’s moral mission to build peace in human minds.

UNESCO Functions in Education

Raises global educational standards, promotes compulsory primary education, trains teachers, provides grants and library systems.

UNESCO Functions in Science

Encourages research, corrects manpower imbalances, supports environmental and social sciences, and fosters international co-operation.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UN agency that funds and coordinates development projects aimed at reducing poverty and promoting sustainable growth.

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Specialized UN agency that sets international labour standards and promotes decent work conditions.

UN Charter Socio-Economic Objectives

Commitment to higher living standards, full employment, and universal respect for human rights to build lasting peace.

WHO Disease-Control Standards

Sets international guidelines for food, water, pharmaceuticals and vaccines to prevent disease spread.

UNICEF Technical Supplies

Delivers textbooks, medical equipment, pumps and pipes to improve education, health and sanitation in developing nations.

World Summit for Children (1990)

UNICEF-inspired gathering of leaders from 150 countries at UN Headquarters to pledge action for children’s welfare.

UNICEF & Iodized Salt

Programme promoting iodized salt consumption, protecting about 12 million infants annually from mental retardation.