Unit 9 Lesson 4 International Organizations Flashcards
Organization
Organizations are groups of people, businesses, or governments that work together to solve an issue.
International Organization
International organizations involve governments or people from different countries working together to solve an issue that crosses country borders.
Purpose of International Organizations
Nations often face difficult problems. Sometimes a crisis affects only one country. For example, in 2010 a severe earthquake struck Haiti. The destruction caused by the quake was too great for the country to handle by itself, so other nations sent food, water, medical supplies, and people to help.
Other concerns affect many nations. Such issues include climate change, pollution, and trade. Nations often hold talks with one another to discuss these matters. Diplomats, or officials who represent their country’s government, meet and try to work out ways to address common concerns.
Many international organizations work to improve the lives of people around the world.
Name important international organizations
The United Nations (UN)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
International Committee of the Red Cross
The European Union (EU)
The World Bank (WB)
Intergovernmental Organizations
“Inter” means among or between. It is a prefix that shows there is a connection between things. Intergovernmental organizations are organizations that are formed between governments. They are based on formal agreements between three or more countries that have come together for a specific purpose. For example, several governments might come together to share the national experts and resources to develop solutions for fighting hunger around the world.
The government of each member nation must agree to follow the rules of the organization and to support its decisions. For example, a certain number of the member nations must approve the admission of a nation that wishes to become a member of the organization. Each member must also provide part of the money that is needed to run the group.
Single-Purpose Organizations
Some governmental organizations are formed for a single purpose. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was first created for the defense of its member nations. The goal of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was created to address issues of trade and finance among nations.
United Nations’ Purpose
The largest governmental organization is the United Nations (UN). It has many goals, including promoting peace, fighting disease, building schools, and improving health care. The UN also provides its member countries with a place where they can present their own point of view. Members do not always agree on what actions to take, however.
European Union
the European Union (EU) set up a common unit of money for most of its members. The euro is now a standard currency, which makes it easier for nations to trade.
Nongovernmental Organizations
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are groups that work to solve problems around the world. Although they may have members that come from government organizations, they are not connected to any government. A nongovernmental organization is free to work toward its own goals without interference from any government. If an NGO wanted to fight hunger globally, it might collaborate with other NGOs or raise money independently to fund projects. These organizations usually depend on volunteers and private donations.
Examples of NGOs
Amnesty International (Human Rights) CARE International (Poverty, Education, Economic Development, Health) Costeau Society (Environment) Doctors Without Borders (Health, Disaster Response/Relief) Heifer International (Hunger, Poverty, Economic Development) Hunger Project (Hunger) International Committee of the Red Cross (Human Rights, Public Health, Disaster Response/Relief) Oxfam International (Poverty, Hunger, Human Rights, Economic Development) Sweatshop Watch (Human Rights for workers)
