The UN System Organizations
The United Nations (UN) system is a network of intergovernmental organizations, agencies, programs, and bodies that work together to promote international cooperation and address various global challenges.
UN Funds and Programmes
Specialized Agencies
The UN system includes 15 affiliated specialized agencies (which may be counted as 17 specialized agencies if IDA, IBRD, and IFC are considered separately from the World Bank Group). The specialized agencies are autonomous international organizations working with the United Nations They were brought into relationship with the UN through negotiated agreements. Some existed before the First World War. Some were associated with the League of Nations. Others were created almost simultaneously with the UN. Others were created by the UN to meet emerging needs. Specialized Agencies each have a process for admitting members and appointing their administrative head.
Other Entities and Bodies of the UN
Related Organizations
For more information about the UN System, please visit the UN System Chart.
Regional Commissions
Regional Commissions were established through resolutions of the Economic and Social Council with the aim of fostering regional development. There are five regional commissions:
Researches and Training Entities
Coordination Bodies
The UN System comprises diverse organizations working together to address complex global issues. Coordination is central to its effectiveness. Coordination between the UN and specialized agencies is assigned to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). At the working level of the secretariats of the organizations, coordination is facilitated by various bodies including the CEB (shared priorities and initiatives), OCHA (crisis responses), and ICSC (UN common system).
UN Common System
The UN system organizations adhere to a uniform framework known as the Common System of salaries, allowances, and benefits. The framework consists of rules, policies, and practices that govern the employment conditions of international civil servants across the various entities within the United Nations system. It aims to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in employment practices, salaries, benefits and allowances for staff members working in different UN organizations.
Not all organizations within the UN system are part of the UN Common System. Presently, the UN Common System comprises 28 organizations, including 13 of the UN specialized agencies, along with one organization enjoying special status under the ICSC statute. The World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, commonly known as the Bretton Woods institutions, does not apply the UN Common System.
The funding of the United Nations (UN) system is multifaceted, comprising mandatory and voluntary contributions from its member states. UN core agencies, such as the General Assembly, Security Council, and International Court of Justice, are primarily funded through assessed contributions, which are obligatory payments by member states. These contributions are calculated based on each country's capacity to pay, which considers factors like national income and debt levels. Specialized agencies, programmes, and funds-including entities like UNICEF, WFP, and WHO-rely largely on voluntary contributions. This includes funding from governments, intergovernmental bodies, and private donors.
Voluntary contributions are often earmarked for specific projects or regions, allowing organizations to respond flexibly to urgent global issues such as humanitarian crises and development programs. Because of the dependency on voluntary contributions, many UN bodies actively engage in fundraising and partnerships with the private sector and philanthropic foundations.
For further details and insights on funding mechanisms and operational costs, you can watch the video below on "How much does it cost to run the United Nations?", where UN spokesperson Farhan Haq addresses common questions regarding the UN's financial operations.
