Important Global Organizations/Agreements

The United Nations (UN) Formed after WWII 193 member states Mission: Peacekeeping, preventing/solving conflicts all over the world Maintain International Peace Protect Human Rights Deliver Humanitarian Aid Promote Sustainable Development Uphold International Law Includes UNICEF, The World Health Organization, and International Court of Justice UN headquarters in the international territory within New York City, with other main offices in Geneva, Nairobi, and Vienna. Click Here To Watch Part I of the UN for Kids Video Click Here To Watch Part II of the UN for Kids Video

The World Trade Organization (WTO) The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established after WWII to reduce tariffs (fines) on foreign trade to encourage global trade The WTO replaced GATT in 1995 Goal: promote free trade between nations The WTO establishes international trade rules between nations, is a place were nations negotiate trade agreements, and helps nations settle trade disputes 164 members

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) NATO is an international political and military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty (1949) 28 member states- Former Warsaw Pact Nations (the United State, Canada, and several European nations) Created to counter Soviet and Communist power worldwide This organization constitutes a system of collective defense, and its member states agree to a mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party.

The European Union (EU) Political union in Europe consisting of 28 Europeans nations (The UK voted to leave the EU in 2016 -“Brexit”) Established after WWII to encourage trade among European nations- nations who trade together don’t fight Allows people and goods to move between the member nations as though they were one nation. The Euro- Type of currency that you can spend anywhere in these nations! Democratic representatives vote on policy issues like economics, climate and environmental issues, health, external relations and security, and justice and migration.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Free trade (no tariffs) between The United States, Mexico, and Canada. Began in 1994

Other International Organizations to Know The International Criminal Court The International Monetary Fund Click Here for More Info Click Here for More Information

NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organizations) Organizations the maintain neutrality by operating outside of the control of the government of any nation. Goals: Peacekeeping and providing humanitarian aid. Examples: The Red Cross Amnesty International Doctors Without Borders Save the Children

Review

Share What You Learned: Write a one page summary (minimum length) of what you learned about key international organizations. Be sure your summary includes the following: What is the purpose of international organizations? What is the United Nations and what is its goal? What is the World Trade Organization and what is its goal? What is the goal of NATO? How are the EU and NAFTA similar? What are some of the other international organization? What is an NGO? Examples? Do you think having these international organizations are necessary for maintaining world peace and international cooperation? Why? Which organizations do you think are effective? Which are not effective? Why?