A World Organisation is a global body formed by member countries that come together to work on common goals. These organisations encourage cooperation, build partnerships, and help nations grow by supporting them in various areas. Many of these bodies also provide financial assistance to countries that need help, ensuring global welfare and development.
The List of World Organisations and Their Headquarters is an essential topic for General Knowledge. Questions from this section often appear in competitive exams, especially in the General Awareness segment. Aspirants preparing for UPSC and other government exams should carefully study the complete list provided in this article.
World Organisations and Their Headquarters
World Organisations play a crucial role in bringing countries together to maintain peace and stability. These international bodies were formed to promote unity, resolve conflicts, and support the economic and social development of member nations. Their main objective is to ensure cooperation among countries, especially when issues affect multiple nations or when global harmony is at risk.
List of World Organisations and Their Headquarters
These organisations work as guardians of peace and progress with conflicts and challenges rising across different parts of the world. They help protect human rights, improve living standards, and guide countries toward development. It is important to know their headquarters and areas of work to understand how these bodies function and what their goals are.
The table below provides a detailed List of World Organisations and Their Headquarters, helping readers identify each organisation’s purpose and the common issues they address.
| List of World Organisations and Their Headquarters | ||
| Organisation | Headquarters | Established |
| United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) | New York City, USA | 1965 |
| United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) | Nairobi, Kenya | 1972 |
| United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) | New York City, USA | 1969 |
| United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) | Nairobi, Kenya | 1978 |
| United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) | New York City, USA | 1946 |
| World Food Programme (WFP) | Rome, Italy | 1961 |
| Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | Rome, Italy | 1945 |
| International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) | Montreal, Canada | 1947 |
| International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) | Rome, Italy | 1977 |
| International Labour Organization (ILO) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1919 |
| International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Washington, DC, USA | 1944 |
| International Maritime Organization (IMO) | London, United Kingdom | 1948 |
| International Telecommunication Union (ITU) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1865 |
| United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) | Paris, France | 1945 |
| United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) | Vienna, Austria | 1966 |
| World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) | Madrid, Spain | 1974 |
| Universal Postal Union (UPU) | Bern, Switzerland | 1874 |
| World Health Organization (WHO) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1948 |
| World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1967 |
| World Meteorological Organization (WMO) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1950 |
| World Bank | Washington, DC, USA | 1944 |
| Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1994 |
| United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1950 |
| United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1980 |
| United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1963 |
| United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) | Copenhagen, Denmark | 1973 |
| United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) | Amman, Jordan | 1949 |
| United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) | Turin, Italy | 2002 |
| United Nations University (UNU) | Tokyo, Japan | 1973 |
| UN Women | New York City, USA | 2010 |
| International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) | Vienna, Austria | 1957 |
| International Organization for Migration (IOM) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1951 |
| Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) | The Hague, Netherlands | 1997 |
| United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) | Bonn, Germany | 1994 (Signed in 1993) |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1995 |
| International Trade Centre (ITC) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1964 |
| African Development Bank Group | Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire | 1964 |
| African Union (AU) | Addis Abab, Ethiopia | 2002 |
| Amnesty International (AI) | London, United Kingdom | 1961 |
| Andean Community | Lima, Peru | 1969 |
| Arctic Council | Tromso, Norway | 1996 |
| Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) | Queenstown, Singapore | 1989 |
| Asian Development Bank (ADB) | Mandaluyong, Philippines | 1966 |
| Association of Caribbean States (ACS) | Port of Spain, Trinidad, Tobago | 1994 |
| Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) | Jakarta, Indonesia | 1967 |
| Bank for International Settlements (BIS) | Basel, Switzerland | 1930 |
| Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) | Istanbul, Turkey | 1992 |
| Caribbean Community (CARICOM) | Georgetown, Guyana | 1973 |
| Central American Bank for Economic Integration | Tegucigalpa, Honduras | 1960 |
| Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) | Lusaka, Zambia | 1994 |
| Commonwealth Secretariat | London, United Kingdom | 1965 |
| Council of Europe | Strasbourg, France | 1949 |
| Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1951 |
| Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) | Stockholm, Switzerland | 1992 |
| Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) | Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria | 1975 |
| European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) | London, United Kingdom | 1991 |
| European Central Bank (ECB) | Frankfurt, Germany | 1998 |
| European Free Trade Association (EFTA) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1960 |
| Association of European Parliamentarians with Africa (AWEPA) | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 1984 |
| European Space Agency (ESA) | Paris, France | 1975 |
| European Union (EU) | Brussels, Belgium | 1993 |
| Group of Eight (G8) | New York, USA | 1975 |
| G-15 Summit | Geneva, Switzerland | 1990 |
| Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) | Washington, DC, USA | 1959 |
| Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) | Djibouti, Djibouti | 1986 |
| International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) | Vienna, Austria | 1957 |
| International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) | Montreal, Canada | 1947 |
| International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) | Paris, France | 1919 |
| International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1863 |
| International Court of Justice (ICJ) | The Hague, Netherlands | 1945 |
| International Development Association (IDA) | Washington, DC, USA | 1960 |
| International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1919 |
| International Finance Corporation (IFC) | Washington, DC, USA | 1956 |
| International Labour Organization (ILO) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1919 |
| International Olympic Committee (IOC) | Lausanne, Switzerland | 1894 |
| International Organization for Standardization (ISO) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1947 |
| International Peace Bureau (IPB) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1891 |
| International Seabed Authority (ISA) | Kingston, Jamaica | 1994 |
| International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1984 |
| Inter-Parliamentary Union | Geneva, Switzerland | 1889 |
| League of Arab States | Cairo, Egypt | 1945 |
| Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) | Washington, DC, USA | 1988 |
| The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) | Central Jakarta, Indonesia | 1961 |
| Nordic Council of Ministers | Copenhagen, Denmark | 1971 |
| North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) | Washington, DC, USA | 1949 |
| Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) | Paris, France | 1961 |
| Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) | Vienna, Austria | 1975 |
| Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) | Kuwait, Middle East | 1968 |
| Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | 1969 |
| Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) | Vienna, Austria | 1960 |
| Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) | Noumea, New Caledonia | 1947 |
| South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) | Kathmandu, Nepal | 1985 |
| Unión Latina | Paris, France | 1954 |
| United Cities & Local Governments (UCLG) | Barcelona, Spain | 2004 |
| United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) | Bangkok, Thailand | 1947 |
| United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) | Beirut, Lebanon | 1973 |
| United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) | Nairobi, Kenya | 1972 |
| United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | Rome, Italy | 1945 |
| United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) | Geneva, Switzerland and New York City, USA | 1993 |
| United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) | Vienna, Austria | 1997 |
| United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | 1975 |
| United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) | Geneva, Switzerland and New York City, USA | 1991 |
| United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) | Amman, Jordan | 1949 |
| Western European Union (WEU) | Paris, France | 1954 |
| World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) | Geneva, Switzerland and New York City, USA | 1946 |
| World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) | Geneva, Switzerland | 1985 |
| World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) | Gland, Switzerland | 1961 |
List of International Organizations Where India Is a Member
India is an active member of several major International Organizations, and this membership contributes significantly to the country’s growth, global influence, and diplomatic strength. Even though the United States has recently reclassified India from a developing nation to a developed one, India continues to benefit from the support, guidance, and cooperation offered by these global bodies.
These organisations play an important role by providing assistance, encouraging global partnerships, and helping India address economic, social, and strategic challenges. Understanding the key international organisations that India is part of is essential for students, aspirants, and anyone interested in India’s global presence.
| List of International Organizations where India is Member | ||
| International Organization | Headquarters | Year of Foundation |
| AALCO – Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization | New Delhi | 1956 |
| ADB – Asian Development Bank | Manila, Philippines | 1956 |
| AfDB – African Development Bank (non-regional members) | Tunis, Tunisia | 1964 |
| AG – Australia Group | Brussels, Belgium | 1985 |
| ASEAN Regional Forum – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations | Jakarta, Indonesia | 1967 |
| BIMSTEC – Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 1997 |
| BIS – Bank for International Settlements | Basel, Switzerland | 1930 |
| BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa | Shanghai, China | 2006 |
| CoN – Commonwealth of Nations | London, UK | 1931 |
| CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research | Geneva, Switzerland | 1954 |
| CP – Colombo Plan | Colombo, Srilanka | 1950 |
| EAS – East Asia Summit | Colombo, Sri Lanka | 1950 |
| FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | Rome, Itlay | 1945 |
| G-15 – Group of 15 | Geneva, Switzerland | 1989 |
| G-20 – Group of 20 | Cancun, Mexico | 1999 |
| G-77 – Group of 77 | New York | 1964 |
| IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency | Vienna, Austria | 1957 |
| IBRD – International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) | Washington DC, US | 1944 |
| ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization | Montreal, Canada | 1944 |
| ICC – International Chamber of Commerce | Paris, France | 1919 |
| IDA – International Development Association | Washington DC | 1950 |
| IEA – International Energy Agency | Paris, France | 1974 |
| IFAD – International Fund for Agricultural Development | Rome, Italy | 1977 |
| IFC – International Finance Corporation | Washington DC, US | 1956 |
| ILO – International Labour Organization | Geneva, Switzerland | 1919 |
| IMF – International Monetary Fund | Washington DC, US | 1945 |
| IMO – International Maritime Organization | London, UK | 1948 |
| IMSO – International Mobile Satellite Organization | London, UK | 1999 |
| Interpol – International Criminal Police Organization | Lyon, France | 1923 |
| IOC – International Olympic Committee | Lausanne, Switzerland | 1894 |
| IPEEC – International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation | Paris, France | 2009 |
| ISO – International Organization for Standardization | Geneva, Switzerland | 1947 |
| ITSO – International Telecommunications Satellite Organization | Washington DC | 1964 |
| ITU – International Telecommunication Union | Geneva, Switzerland | 1864 |
| ITUC – International Trade Union Confederation (the successor to ICFTU (International Confederation of Free Trade Unions) and the WCL (World Confederation of Labour)) | Brussels, Belgium | 2006 |
| MTCR Missile Technology Control Regime | Japan | 1987 |
| NAM – Non-Aligned Movement | Jakarta, Indonesia | 1961 |
| OPCW – Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons | Hague, Netherland | 1997 |
| PCA – Permanent Court of Arbitration | Hague, Netherland | 1899 |
| PIF – Pacific Islands Forum (partner) | Suva, Fiji | 1971 |
| SAARC – South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation | Kathmandu, Nepal | 1985 |
| SACEP – South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme | Colombo, Sri Lanka | 1982 |
| SCO – Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (member) | Beijing, China | 1996 |
| UN – United Nations | New York | 1945 |
| UNAIDS – United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS | New York | 1994 |
| UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation | London, Uk | 1946 |
| WHO- World Health Organization | Geneva, Switzerland | 1948 |
International Organizations and Their Headquarters Types
International Organizations are grouped based on their structure, purpose, and how they operate. Below are the major types that work across global, regional, and humanitarian levels.
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)
Intergovernmental Organizations are created through agreements between sovereign nations to address shared global or regional issues. They promote cooperation in key areas such as health, security, development, and trade. Well-known IGOs include the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and World Trade Organization (WTO).
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
NGOs are independent groups that operate across countries to support humanitarian, social, and environmental causes. Although they do not represent governments, they have a strong global impact through policy advocacy and relief work. Popular examples include Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
Regional Organizations
Regional Organizations focus on strengthening cooperation within a specific geographic region. Their goal is to address political, economic, and cultural challenges through joint efforts. Examples include the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Characteristics of International Organizations and Their Headquarters
International Organizations share certain defining features that guide how they function globally. These characteristics help them maintain cooperation, coordination, and accountability.
- International Organizations are formed through treaties or multilateral agreements that allow member nations to work together on shared goals.
- Membership is voluntary, and countries join based on shared interests. While organisations encourage collective decisions, each member nation retains its own sovereignty.
- Every organisation operates under a defined set of goals and principles outlined in its founding charter, which guides its actions and policies.
- Most organisations have established headquarters in major global cities. Their administrative structure typically includes bodies like a General Assembly, Executive Council, Secretariat, and various specialized agencies.
- These organisations are funded through contributions by member countries, grants, and voluntary donations. The contribution amount is usually based on a nation’s economic capacity or agreed criteria.
Roles of International Organizations and Their Headquarters
International Organizations serve multiple important roles in promoting global welfare. From peacekeeping to economic development, their contributions impact countries worldwide.
- Organisations like the United Nations work to prevent conflicts through peacekeeping missions, diplomatic negotiations, and mediation. Their efforts help reduce political tension and promote international stability.
- During natural disasters, wars, and emergencies, international bodies provide crucial support—such as food, shelter, medical aid, and logistics, to affected populations.
- Institutions like the World Bank and IMF help developing countries by offering financial loans, policy guidance, and infrastructure support to promote sustainable growth.
- Organisations such as WHO and UNEP tackle public health issues and environmental challenges. They work to set global health standards, control disease outbreaks, and encourage environmental conservation.
- The World Trade Organization (WTO) and similar bodies help streamline trade practices by reducing barriers, promoting fair trade, and ensuring smooth international commerce.
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World Organisations and Their Headquarters FAQs
Q.1. What are World Organisations?
Ans. They are international bodies formed to solve global issues and promote cooperation.
Q.2. Why do World Organisations have headquarters?
Ans. Headquarters act as central offices for planning and decision-making.
Q.3. Which city has the most World Organisations?
Ans. Geneva hosts many major global organisations.
Q.4. Is India a member of major World Organisations?
Ans. Yes, India is part of UN, WHO, IMF, ADB, BRICS, SCO, and more.
Q.5. Which organisation works on global health?
Ans. The World Health Organization (WHO) handles global health matters.
