Since its inception in 1965, UNITAR has served as and information and training centre for UN Member States in the fields of environment; peace, security and diplomacy; and governance. Aiming to further develop the capacities of Member States, UNITAR conducts research and training programmes.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations, was established in 1977 as one of the major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference. Seeking to address rural poverty, the conference created IFAD to finance agricultural development projects, primarily for food production, in developing countries.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to guarantee that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives through capacity development and awareness raising. Founded in 1945, FAO is governed by the Conference of Member Nations, which meets every two years to review the work carried out by the Organization and approve a Programme of Work and Budget for the next biennium.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading inter-governmental agency operating on migration issues. It was established in 1951 and works in partnership with the United Nations on a broad range of migration-related issues. IOM is committed to institutionalizing and mainstreaming gender in all areas of its work and to ensuring that gender issues are an integral part of IOM's planning and actions.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an UN institution providing policy advice and financing to members in economic difficulties and also works with developing nations to help them achieve macroeconomic stability and reduce poverty.

Established in December 1945, the IMF has a membership of 186 countries. The IMF tracks global economic trends and performance, and purports to ensure stability in the international system.

The World Bank Group’s (World Bank) mission is to eliminate poverty and assist people by providing resources, sharing knowledge, building capacity and forging partnerships in the public and private sectors.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. Since its founding in 1948, WHO has been responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends. 

The ILO is the international organization responsible for drawing up and overseeing international labour standards. It is the only 'tripartite' United Nations agency that brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programmes promoting Decent Work for all. This unique arrangement gives the ILO an edge in incorporating 'real world' knowledge about employment and work.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) contributes to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Founded in 1945, UNESCO’s Constitution outlines the organization’s purpose.

Gender Equality

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) provides and ensures food security in emergency and post-emergency situations. Established in 1962, WFP works with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to promote a world in which every man, woman, and child has access at all times to the food needed for an active and healthy life.