40 THE ESSENTIAL UN
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) The International Civil Aviation Organization assures the safe, secure, orderly and sustainable development of international air transport while minimizing the adverse effect of global civil aviation on the environment. In an effort to combat child trafficking, it recommends that all countries require a separate passport for each child.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) The International Fund for Agricultural Development is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. About 75 per cent of the world’s poorest people—that is, about one billion women, children and men—live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihoods. IFAD invests in agriculture and rural development projects that reach poor, marginalized and vulnerable people in rural areas and helps create the conditions they need to improve their lives.
International Labour Organization (ILO) The International Labour Organization formulates policies and programmes to promote the basic human rights of workers, improve working and living conditions and enhance employment opportunities. It also leads efforts to eradicate child labour worldwide.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) The International Maritime Organization is responsible for improving the safety and security of international shipping and for preventing marine pollution from ships. It is also involved in legal matters such as liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of international maritime traffic.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) The International Monetary Fund promotes the stability of the global monetary and financial system. It advises on key economic policies, provides temporary financial assistance and training, promotes growth and strives to alleviate poverty.
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) The International Telecommunications Union is committed to connecting the world. The global international telecommunications network is one of the largest and most sophisticated engineering feats ever accomplished, and ITU is at its very heart. ITU negotiates agreements on technologies, services and allocation of global resources like radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbital positions, creating a seamless global communications system that is robust, reliable and constantly evolving.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization promotes international cooperation and facilitates the exchange of information in the fields of education, science, culture and communications. It works to safeguard the world’s cultural heritage. It aims to empower, educate and inspire young people, and seeks to preserve the cultural and natural heritage of humanity.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) The United Nations Industrial Development Organization promotes and accelerates sustainable industrial growth in developing countries and economies in transition. It aims to give each country an opportunity to create a flourishing productive sector, increase its participation in international trade and safeguard its environment.