Chapter 15: Major Agencies of the UN

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Chapter Overview

The United Nations carries out its socio-economic, educational, and health work across the globe through specialized autonomous agencies. The three most prominent agencies prescribed in the ICSE syllabus are UNICEF, UNESCO, and WHO.

1. UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund)

Background & Motto

Created by the UN General Assembly in 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in European countries devastated by WWII. In 1953, it became a permanent part of the UN system with headquarters in New York, USA.

Main Functions of UNICEF

Core Activities of UNICEF

1. Child Health & Disease Prevention

Funds mass immunization campaigns against fatal childhood diseases (polio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis). Supplies essential medicines, vaccines, and vitamin supplements to developing nations.

2. Nutrition and Clean Water

Provides low-cost nutritious food and protein supplements to undernourished children and pregnant mothers. Supports rural water supply and sanitation projects.

3. Primary Education & Child Protection

Funds primary education programs, trains teachers, provides textbook materials, and campaigns vigorously against child labor, child abuse, and child exploitation.

4. Emergency Relief & Fundraising

Provides immediate food, shelter, and medical care to children during natural disasters (floods, earthquakes) and war crises. Sells famous UNICEF Greeting Cards to raise funds for child welfare worldwide.

2. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

Foundation & Constitution

Established on 16 November 1945 with headquarters in Paris, France. Its constitutional preamble famously states: "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed."

Main Functions of UNESCO

Four Pillars of UNESCO

Education:
- Fights illiteracy by promoting universal, free, and compulsory primary education.
- Promotes women's education, adult literacy, and teacher-training programs in developing countries.
Scientific Progress:
- Promotes international cooperation in scientific research, environmental conservation, oceanography, and geology.
- Encourages regional scientific institutes and renewable energy research.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage:
- Maintains the famous World Heritage Sites list to protect priceless historical monuments, natural sites, and cultural treasures (e.g. Taj Mahal, Pyramids, Great Wall of China).
- Promotes cultural exchange and artistic creation to build mutual respect among cultures.
Communication & Information:
- Supports freedom of the press and free flow of information worldwide.
- Assists developing nations in establishing news agencies, radio, and digital infrastructure.

3. WHO (World Health Organization)

Global Health Authority

Established on 7 April 1948 with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland (7 April is celebrated annually as World Health Day).

Objective: The attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health (defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease).

Main Functions of WHO