LibGuides: United Nations Research Guide: UN Related Programmes, Agencies, & NGOs

About the Agencies

In addition to the main bodies, many other organizations help the United Nations carry out its work. Funds and programmes (such as UNICEF and UNDP) are subsidiary bodies of the UN General Assembly. Specialized agencies (such as UNESCO and WHO) are linked to the UN through special agreements. Related organizations (such as WTO) address specialized areas and have their own legislative bodies and budgets.*

*United Nations. 2008. United Nations today. New York: United Nations Department of Public Information.

The UN System

UN System Chart

Non Governmental Organizations (NGO)

NGO Database
Contains information about the organizations that have Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC).

UN Agencies and Programmes

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
The FAO serves both developed and developing countries, and acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy.
International Labour Organization (ILO)
The ILO seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights.
International Monetary Fund
The IMF promotes international monetary cooperation and exchange rate stability, facilitates the balanced growth of international trade, and provides resources to help members in balance of payments difficulties or to assist with poverty reduction.
Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS
UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, brings together the efforts and resources of ten UN system organizations in the AIDS response to help the world prevent new HIV infections, care for people living with HIV, and mitigate the impact of the epidemic.
The World Bank
Since 1947, the World Bank has funded over 12,000 development projects, via traditional loans, interest-free credits, and grants.
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
UNESCO functions as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse – for the dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge – while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
UNIDO promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.
World Health Organization (WHO)
World Trade Organization
WTO facilitates international commerce of member nations.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy.
UN Women
UN Women is the global champion for gender equality, working to develop and uphold standards and create an environment in which every woman and girl can exercise her human rights and live up to her full potential. We are trusted partners for advocates and decision-makers from all walks of life, and a leader in the effort to achieve gender equality.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
The mission of the UNEP is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment, enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
United Nations Human Rights
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights. We represent the world's commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI)
The mission of UNICRI is to advance justice, crime prevention, security and the rule of law in support of peace, human rights and sustainable development.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
For two decades, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been helping make the world safer from drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism. We are committed to achieving health, security and justice for all by tackling these threats and promoting peace and sustainable well-being as deterrents to them.