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List of Important International Organisations and Their Headquarters 2023

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

International organizations are institutions established by multiple countries to address global challenges, promote cooperation, and foster international relations. These organizations serve as platforms for member countries to collaborate on various issues such as peacekeeping, economic development, public health, and environmental sustainability. Here are some important International organizations and their headquarters:

  • The headquarters of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is located in Washington DC, USA.
  • The headquarters of the United Nations Organisation is situated in New York, United States.
  • World Trade Organisation (WTO) is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

The complete list of International organisations and their headquarters is shared below on which questions are often asked in various competitive exams including UPSC Civil Services.

What are International Organizations?

International organizations are institutions drawing membership from a minimum of three states. They have activities in several states, including members from more than one nation. There are very large international organizations as well as small organizations as well. Some of the organizations have specific purposes, such as the conservation of species, etc.

International Organizations and Their Headquarters PDF

There are two types of international organizations: Governmental and non-governmental.

  • International Governmental Organizations (IGOs) are the associations of states established by treaty that aims to pursue the goals of the member states.
  • Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) operates independently of any government. They address social or political issues. NGOs don’t enter into treaties or other international agreements.

List of International Organizations

Here is the list of important international organizations which provides support to the developing nations and bring peace and harmony among member countries:

  1. United Nations (UN): The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization established to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It addresses global challenges, such as poverty, climate change, and human rights, and provides a platform for member countries to discuss and coordinate on various issues.
  2. World Bank: The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries for development projects. It focuses on reducing poverty, promoting sustainable economic growth, and improving living standards through investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
  3. International Monetary Fund (IMF): The IMF fosters global monetary cooperation, financial stability, and sustainable economic growth. It provides financial assistance, policy advice, and technical support to member countries, aiming to maintain macroeconomic stability and promote sound economic policies.
  4. World Trade Organization (WTO): The WTO deals with global trade rules, resolves trade disputes, and facilitates negotiations among member countries. It promotes free and fair trade by reducing trade barriers, enforcing trade agreements, and providing a platform for negotiations on various trade-related issues.
  5. World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on international public health. It leads global efforts to prevent disease outbreaks, improve healthcare systems, promote health equity, and provide guidance on health-related policies and initiatives.
  6. International Labor Organization (ILO): The ILO promotes labor rights, decent work, and social justice globally. It sets international labor standards, promotes employment opportunities, supports workers’ rights, and facilitates dialogue between governments, employers, and workers to address labor-related challenges.
  7. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): UNESCO aims to promote international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication. It focuses on preserving cultural heritage, promoting inclusive education, fostering scientific cooperation, and encouraging freedom of expression and media development.
  8. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): UNICEF works to protect the rights and well-being of children worldwide. It provides humanitarian assistance, promotes child survival, nutrition, education, and protection, and advocates for policies and programs that benefit children and their families.
  9. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): The FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to eliminate hunger, promote food security, and ensure sustainable agriculture. It provides assistance, knowledge, and policy support to help countries improve agricultural practices and enhance food production.
  10. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): The IAEA promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy, verifies the compliance of member states with nuclear non-proliferation treaties, and provides technical assistance in nuclear applications for energy, health, agriculture, and the environment.

International Organizations and Their Headquarters

We have provided the list of International organizations and their headquarters below.

International Organizations and their Headquarters
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) New York, USA
UN Women New York, USA
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) New York, USA
United Nations Organisation New York, USA
United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) New York, USA
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Washington DC, United States
World Bank Group (WBG) Washington DC, United States
International Committee of the Red Cross Geneva, Switzerland
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Geneva, Switzerland
International Organization for Standardization Geneva, Switzerland
World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Geneva, Switzerland
World Trade Organisation Geneva, Switzerland
International Labour Organisation Geneva, Switzerland
UNAIDS Geneva, Switzerland
World Health Organisation (WHO) Geneva, Switzerland
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Vienna, Austria
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna, Austria
United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Paris, France
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Paris, France
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Vienna, Austria
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Queenstown, Singapore
Transparency International Berlin, Germany
International Renewable Energy Agency Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Rome, Italy
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Brussels, Belgium
Universal Postal Union Berne, Switzerland
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Jakarta, Indonesia
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) London, United Kingdom
Amnesty International London, United Kingdom
Commonwealth of Nations London, United Kingdom
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Kathmandu, Nepal
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry North Carolina
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons The Hague, The Netherlands
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Vienna, Austria
Organization of Islamic Cooperation Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation Ebene, Mauritius
Worldwide Fund for Nature Gland, Switzerland
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) New York, USA
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Gland, Switzerland
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Paris, France
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) Turin, Italy
UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Geneva, Switzerland
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Montreal, Canada
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Nairobi, Kenya
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Geneva, Switzerland
International Olympic Committee Lausanne, Switzerland
World Economic Forum Cologny-Geneva, Switzerland
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Rome, Italy
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Madrid, Spain
United Nations University (UNU) Tokyo, Japan
UN-OHRLLS New York, USA
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Geneva, Switzerland
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Geneva, Switzerland
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Geneva, Switzerland
UN-Habitat Nairobi, Kenya
World Food Programme (WFP) Rome, Italy
International Court of Justice (ICJ) The Hague, Netherlands
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Geneva, Switzerland

India’s Membership in International Organizations

India is a member of various international organizations across different sectors, reflecting its active participation in global affairs. Below mentioned is the complete list of Important Organisations and their Headquarters to which India is a member.

International Organizations List with Headquarters
FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome, Itlay
IBRD – International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) Washington DC, US
ASEAN Regional Forum – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Jakarta, Indonesia
BIMSTEC – Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Dhaka, Bangladesh
BIS – Bank for International Settlements Basel, Switzerland
AG – Australia Group Brussels, Belgium
CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research Geneva, Switzerland
AALCO – Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization New Delhi
ADB – Asian Development Bank Manila, Philippines
AfDB – African Development Bank (non-regional members) Tunis, Tunisia
CP – Colombo Plan Colombo, Srilanka
EAS – East Asia Summit Colombo, Sri Lanka
BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa Shanghai, China
CoN – Commonwealth of Nations London, UK
ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization Montreal, Canada
ICC – International Chamber of Commerce Paris, France
IDA – International Development Association Washington DC
G-15 – Group of 15 Geneva, Switzerland
G-20 – Group of 20 Cancun, Mexico
G-77 – Group of 77 New York
IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna, Austria
IEA – International Energy Agency Paris, France
IFAD – International Fund for Agricultural Development Rome, Italy
IFC – International Finance Corporation Washington DC, US
ILO – International Labour Organization Geneva, Switzerland
IMF – International Monetary Fund Washington DC, US
UNAIDS – United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS New York
UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation London, Uk
ITUC – International Trade Union Confederation (the successor to ICFTU (International Confederation of Free Trade Unions) and the WCL (World Confederation of Labour)) Brussels, Belgium
MTCR Missile Technology Control Regime Japan
SCO – Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (member) Beijing, China
UN – United Nations New York
IMO – International Maritime Organization London, UK
IMSO – International Mobile Satellite Organization London, UK
Interpol – International Criminal Police Organization Lyon, France
PIF – Pacific Islands Forum (partner) Suva, Fiji
SAARC – South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Kathmandu, Nepal
SACEP – South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme Colombo, Sri Lanka
IPEEC – International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation Paris, France
IOC – International Olympic Committee Lausanne, Switzerland
NAM – Non-Aligned Movement Jakarta, Indonesia
OPCW – Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Hague, Netherland
PCA – Permanent Court of Arbitration Hague, Netherland
ISO – International Organization for Standardization Geneva, Switzerland
ITSO – International Telecommunications Satellite Organization Washington DC
ITU – International Telecommunication Union Geneva, Switzerland
WHO- World Health Organization Geneva, Switzerland

Tricks to Remember World Organisations and Their Headquarters

World organizations and their headquarters are important GS topics. It holds relevance in the UPSC Exam. To make things easier for the candidates, we have provided tricks to remember the international organization and their headquarters below.

  • The international institutions starting with World and ending with Organization are headquartered in Geneva, for example – WHO and WMP. WIPO.
  • International organizations related to petroleum, industrial development, and atomic research have their headquarters in Vienna, such as UNIDO, OPEC, and International Atomic Energy Agency.
  • The international institutions related to money are headquartered in Washington DC- World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
  • World organizations related to economy and education are headquartered in Paris, e.g. ICOMOS, UNESCO, and OECD.

International Organisations and their Headquarters in Geneva

The following International Organizations List have headquarters in Geneva. We have compiled a separate list of International Organizations and Headquarters in Geneva for better comprehension and revision.

World Organisations and Their Headquarters
International Committee of the Red Cross Geneva, Switzerland
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Geneva, Switzerland
International Organization for Standardization Geneva, Switzerland
World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Geneva, Switzerland
World Trade Organisation Geneva, Switzerland
International Labour Organisation Geneva, Switzerland
UNAIDS Geneva, Switzerland
World Health Organisation (WHO) Geneva, Switzerland
UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Geneva, Switzerland
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Geneva, Switzerland
World Economic Forum Cologny-Geneva, Switzerland
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Geneva, Switzerland
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Geneva, Switzerland
CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research Geneva, Switzerland
G-15 – Group of 15 Geneva, Switzerland

International Organizations UPSC

The International organizations and their headquarters find their relevance in the UPSC Syllabus, which is a crucial topic from the GK point of view. So candidates need to have in-depth knowledge on this topic for both UPSC Prelims and Mains exams. Additionally, they can also go through the previous year papers and mock tests to have an idea of the type of questions asked about International organisations in the exam. Try to answer the following questions important for the UPSC and other competitive exams:

Question 1: Which international organization has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland? – (a) International Monetary Fund, (b) World Trade Organization, (c) United Nations, (d) World Bank

Answer: b) World Trade Organization (WTO)

Question 2: The headquarters of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is located in which city? – (a) Paris, France, (b) Tokyo, Japan, (c) Washington, D.C., United States, (d) London, United Kingdom

Answer: c) Washington, D.C., United States

Question 3: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has its headquarters in: (a) New York City, United States, (b) Geneva, Switzerland, (c) Vienna, Austria, (d) Paris, France

Answer: d) Paris, France

Question 4: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is headquartered in which city? – (a) Vienna, Austria, (b) Rome, Italy, (c) The Hague, Netherlands, (d) Berlin, Germany

Answer: a) Vienna, Austria

Question 5: Which international organization’s headquarters is located in New York City, United States? – (a) World Bank, (b) International Labor Organization, (c) United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), (d) Food and Agriculture Organization

Answer: c) United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Important UPSC Notes:
Battle of Plassey Communalism
Quit India Movement Vedas
Coastal States of India Russia Ukraine War Essay
Green Revolution Jhansi Rani Laxmibai
Biodiversity Hotspots in India Basic Structure of Constitution
Rowlatt Act Panchayati Raj System
Right to Equality National Flag of India
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