What International Organizations Do You Know?

An international organization is one that includes members from more than one nation. Some international organizations are very large, others are small and dedicated to a specific purpose.

Level B1/B2

Acronyms (abbreviations) of famous International organizations

  • the UN – the United Nations is an international organization that encourages countries to work together in order to solve world problems such as war, disease, and poverty.
  • UNESCO – United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation 
  • UNICEF – United Nations Children‘s Emergency Funds is an international organization that provides support in education, science, and culture, especially for poorer countries
  • UNHCR –  United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees  is an international organization that protects refugees and helps to find homes for them
  • WHO –  World Health Organisation is an international organization that is part of the United Nations and helps poorer countries by giving them information and medicine
  • FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) is an international organization that is part of the United Nations and aims to improve food production, especially in poorer countries, and to make sure that people get enough food
  • EU – European Union is an international organization comprising 27 European countries and governing common economic, social, and security policies.
  • ICRC –  International Committee of the Red Crescent / Cross is a humanitarian organization based in Geneva, which protects victims of international and internal armed conflicts. Such victims include war wounded persons, prisoners, refugees, civilians.
  • TI – Transparency International is a global movement to end the injustice of corruption.
  • AI (Amnesty International) is an international organization that tries to help people who have been put in prison or tortured because of their political, religious, or other beliefs
  • BIS – Bank for International Settlements is an international financial institution that serves as a bank and forum for national central banks.
  • ITU – International Telecommunication Union is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for many matters related to information and communication …
  • NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an organization of North American and European countries that provides military support for its members
  • WTO – the World Trade Organization deals with the global rules of trade between nations.
  • WB – the World Bank is an international organization that lends money to countries that are members of the United Nations
  • ILO – International Labor Organization is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards
  • DWB – Doctors Without Borders is an international humanitarian group dedicated to providing medical care to people in distress, including victims of political violence and natural disasters.
  • IMF – the International Monetary Fund is an international organization that promotes global economic growth and financial stability and works to balance and manage the world’s economy and to help countries with weak economies to develop.
  • OPEC – the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is an  intergovernmental organization which co-ordinates petroleum policies among Member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.
  • ASEAN – the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional grouping that aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its members
  • G20 – the Group of Twenty is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union (EU). It works to address major issues related to the global economy.
  • ICC – the International Criminal Court investigates, and where warranted, tries individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression.

Task 1 . Select the appropriate acronyms of international organizations from the list to fill in the blanks:
UNESCO – WHO – WTO – UNHCR –WB – NATO – UN – UNECEF – IMF – FAO – ILO –DWB –AI – TI

  1. The United Nations _______
  2. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization ____________
  3. The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund _______
  4. Food and Agriculture Organization _______
  5. World Health Organization _______
  6. International Labor Organization _______
  7. Amnesty International _______
  8. Doctors Without Borders _______
  9. The World Bank _______
  10. World Trade Organization _______
  11. North Atlantic Organization _______
  12. UN High commissioner for Refugees _______
  13. The International Monetary Fund _______
  14. Transparency International _______

Task 2. Match each organisation in the list above with its corresponding mission.

  1. Provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children in poor and developing countries  _________
  2. Safeguards and protects human including political prisoners’ rights _________
  3. Provides medical care during natural and war disasters  _________
  4. Gives loans to poor and developing countries to promote economic development  _________
  5. Fights for a world free from corruption _________
  6. Protects and supports refugees  _________
  7. Founded in 1945 after World War II, to end wars between nations, and provide a platform for dialogue, peace, social and political justice  _________
  8. Aims at eradicating hunger and starvation in poor countries, and ensuring food security and good nutrition _________
  9. Is concerned with public health _________
  10. Seeks to promote labors rights _________
  11. Promotes international collaboration through education, science, and culture to ensure universal respect for justice _________

Task 3. Fill in the gaps with the words: states,  founded, headquarters, rights, wars, organisation, law 

The United Nations is an international _____________which was _____________ in 1945 after World War II, in order to stop _____________ between countries, and to provide a platform for dialogue. Its main goals are facilitating cooperation in international _____________, international security, economic development, social progress, human _____________, and achievement of world peace. The members of the UN consist of 193 member _____________. The United Nations _____________ resides in international territory in New York City.

Task 4. International organizations. Which organization is being described? Choose the correct abbreviation or acronym into the gap after the description:

OECD – UNESCO – UNHCR – EU – NATO – Interpol – FAO – OPEC – ASEAN

  1. a group of rich countries who work together to develop trade and economic growth _________
  2. a European political and economic organization that encourages trade and friendship between the countries that are members _________
  3. a part of the United Nations, based in Paris, which is concerned especially with providing help for poorer countries with education and science _________
  4. an international organization that is part of the UN and is responsible for giving help and support to refugees _________
  5. an organization of countries that produce and sell oil _________
  6. a part of the United Nations whose aim is to increase food production, especially in poorer countries _________
  7. a group of countries including the US and several European countries, which give military help to each other _________
  8. an international police organization that helps national police forces to catch criminals _________
  9. an association whose aim is to encourage the economic growth, social progress, and cultural development of Southeast Asia _________

Task 5. Express your opinion. 

Do you think Ukraine should seek membership in international organizations? Which? How does Ukraine benefit from membership in international organizations?

Ukraine is a member of several international organizations.

Some of the key international organizations that Ukraine is a member of include:

United Nations (UN)
Ukraine became a member of the UN on October 24, 1945. As a member, Ukraine has a platform to engage in global diplomacy, promote its interests, and contribute to global issues such as peacekeeping, human rights, and sustainable development.

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Ukraine is a member of this organization, which focuses on security, solving conflicts, and human rights. Being a member helps Ukraine deal with regional security issues, participate in dialogue with neighboring countries, and seek assistance for democratic reforms.

Council of Europe (CoE)
Ukraine joined the CoE in 1995. CoE helps countries follow human rights, democracy, and the law. Being a member lets Ukraine learn from legal experts and talk to other European countries.

World Trade Organization (WTO)
Ukraine became a member of the WTO in 2008. Membership facilitates Ukraine’s participation in global trade, opens up new markets, and promotes fair trade practices.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Ukraine is part of the IMF, which helps countries with money and economic reforms. Being a member allows Ukraine to get loans, technical help, and advice to fix economic problems.

Membership in these international organizations brings several benefits to Ukraine:

  • It provides Ukraine with a platform to engage in diplomatic discussions and negotiations with other countries. It allows Ukraine to raise its concerns, advocate for its interests, and build partnerships on the global stage.
  • Membership in organizations like the OSCE and the UN enables Ukraine to address regional security challenges, seek assistance in conflict resolution, and promote peaceful solutions to disputes.
  • Membership in the WTO and engagement in other trade organizations offer Ukraine access to international markets, fostering economic growth, attracting foreign investment, and promoting trade liberalization.
  • International organizations provide Ukraine with access to expertise, technical assistance, and best practices in various fields. This support can help Ukraine in areas such as human rights, democracy, economic reforms, and legal frameworks.
  • Membership in international organizations enhances Ukraine’s international standing and legitimacy. It demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to international norms, values, and cooperation. Being a member shows that Ukraine is a responsible country that follows international rules, which helps it have a stronger voice and influence in the world.

Source:

https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/international-organizations
https://www.ldoceonline.com/exercise/culture-International-organizations-exercise
https://moroccoenglish.com/international-organisations-useful-glossary-exercises