The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) provides assistance, protection and advocacy for some 4.7 million registered Palestine refugees in the Middle East through education, health, relief and social services both in times of stability and conflict.

Established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1973, the UNFPA promotes development and poverty reduction policies and programmes through the use of population data. Its work operates around the two frameworks: the International Conference on Population and Development's Programme of Action and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Established in 1978 and mandated by General Assembly Resolution, A/56/206, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) aims to provide adequate and sustainable shelter for all. The Programme pursues this goal through monitoring and research, policy development, capacity building, and financing housing and urban development.

UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices. UNODC relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from Governments, for 90 per cent of its budget.

Established in 1964, UNCTAD shapes policy debates and thinking on development by serving as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations as well as a knowledge-based institution for research, data collection, and policy analysis on development issues. Through these functions, UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of countries into the world economy.

In 1972, the United Nations General Assembly resolution 2997 created and designated the UNEP as the UN authority on environmental issues. It serves as an expert voice by monitoring the global environment and gathering and disseminating environmental information to governments and the international community.

Created in 1946, in the context of World War II, UNICEF now operates in 191 countries to "to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path." The institute operationalizes its work through country programmes and national committees.

Established in 1950 by the UN General Assembly, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) leads and coordinates international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems. The Agency's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of uprooted and stateless people.

The UNV contributes to peace and sustainable human development through volunteerism worldwide. The programme mobilizes 7,500 qualified and experienced women and men of nearly 160 nationalities each year, serving as UN Volunteers in 130 countries.

UNCDF’s mandate from the UN General Assembly (1966) is to “assist developing countries in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants and loans”. The mandate was modified in 1974 to focus on “first and foremost the least developed among the developing countries”.

UNCDF work on empowering women