Directory of Economic, Commodity and Development Organizations

Last Updated: February 13, 2008

Provides a brief guide to regional economic organizations and to inter-governmental commodity and development organizations.

Comments and questions should be sent to comfront@imf.org

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  Sorted by: Organization

Sorted by: Organization

ORGANIZATION

HEADQUARTERS CITY

HEADQUARTERS COUNTRY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development

United Arab Emirates

Assists LDCs in development of their economies by extending project loans, guarantees, technical assistance grants and equity participation. Tel.: [971](2)725-800

African Development Bank Group (AfDB Group)

Abidjan

Côte d'Ivoire

Multinational development bank supported by 77 nations (member countries) from Africa, North and South America, Europe and Asia.

African Development Fund

Abidjan

Côte d'Ivoire

Provides development finance on concessional terms to low-income RMCs which are unable to borrow on the non-concessional terms of the Bank. In accordance with its lending policy, poverty reduction is the main aim of Fund development activities in borrowing countries.

African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK)

Cairo

Egypt, Arab Republic of

Established in 1993 by African Governments, African private and institutional investors as well as non-African financial institutions and private investors for the purpose of financing and promoting intra- and extra-African trade.

Andean Community General Secretariat

Lima

Peru

The Andean Community is an economic and social integration organization with international legal status. It comprises the following countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Andean Development Corporation

Caracas

Venezuela, República Bolivariana de

The Andean Development Corporation (CAF) is a multilateral financial institution that promotes the sustainable development of its shareholder countries and regional integration. Serving both public and private sectors, the CAF offers a wide range of financial services to a broad client base composed of the governments of shareholder countries , public and private companies and financial institutions. Its policies incorporate social and environmental variables, and all its operations are governed by criteria of eco-efficiency and sustainability.

Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment

Khartoum

Sudan

The AAAID is an independent Arab financial institution established by 19 shareholder states to participate in the agricultural development and food security in the Arab world.

Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa

Khartoum

Sudan

The Bank is a financial institution funded by the Member States of the League of Arab States in 1974. It was created for the purpose of strengthening economic, financial, and technical cooperation between Arab and African countries, to make Arab-African solidarity a concrete reality, and to base this co-operative venture on foundations of friendship and equality. To this end, the Bank was given a mandate to: assist in financing economic development in non-Arab African countries; stimulate the contribution of Arab capital to African development; help provide the technical assistance required for the development of Africa.

Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD)

Safat

Kuwait

Arab regional financial institution, established by the League of Arab States with an independent juridical personality. Its function is to assist the economic and social development of Arab countries through (1) financing development projects, with preference given to overall Arab development and to joint Arab projects; (2) encouraging the investment of private and public funds in Arab projects; and (3) providing technical assistance services for Arab economic and social development

Arab Gulf Program for United Nations Development Organizations (AGFUND)

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia

Regional developmental institution, established in 1980 with the support of the Leaders of the Arab Gulf States that constitute its membership and contribute to its budget. AGFUND is concerned with the support of sustainable human development efforts, targeting the neediest groups in the developing countries, particularly women and children, in cooperation with the organizations and institutions active in this field.

Arab Monetary Fund

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Established in 1976. Currently made up by 22 members, it aims at contributing to the achievement of the following objectives: correcting disequilibria in the balances of payments of member States; striving for the removal of restrictions on current payments between member states; establishing policies and modes of Arab monetary co-operation; rendering advice, whenever called upon to do so, with regard to policies related to the investment of the financial resources of member States in foreign markets; promoting the development of Arab financial markets; paving the way towards the creation of a unified Arab currency; promoting trade among member States.

Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD)

Khartoum

Sudan

Established in 1970 under the umbrella of the League of Arab States.  As such, its members are all the member states of the Arab League.  The organization's goals are defined on two dimensions: nationally as well as regionally.  At the national level, AOAD is to assist member countries in developing and enhancing their respective agricultural sectors.  At the regional level, AOAD is to facilitate coordination amongst member states in the agricultural sector, with the aim of achieving a fully integrated Arab economy union, and food self-sufficiency.

Arab Planning Institute (API)

Safat

Kuwait

The Arab Planning Institute is a non-profit regional organization of Arab countries, whose primary mission is to advance the cause of economic and social development in Arab countries through training, research, consultancy, expert-group meetings, and publication.

Arab Trade Financing Program (ATFP)

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

ATFP aims at contributing to the promotion of trade exchanges of commodities of Arab origin through the provision of a financial facility, as well as through extending a number of services tailored to meet the requirements of the Arab exporters and to increase their competitiveness in their existing and potential markets. The Program provides refinancing facilities at convenient costs.

Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC)

Jakarta

Indonesia

APCC is an intergovernmental  Organisation of 15  Major Coconut Producing Countries Accounting for over 90% of World Coconut Production and Exports of Coconut Products. The objectives of APCC are to promote, coordinate and harmonize all activities of the coconut industry which sustains the lives of millions of small farmers as well as those engaged in industries developed around the production, processing and marketing of coconut products.

Asian Clearing Union

Tehran

Iran, Islamic Republic of

ACU is the simplest form of payment arrangements whereby the members settle payments for intra-regional transactions among the participating central banks on a multilateral basis. The main objectives of a clearing union are to facilitate payments among member countries for eligible transactions, thereby economizing on the use of foreign exchange reserves and transfer costs, as well as promoting trade among the participating countries.

Asian Development Bank (AsDB)

Manila

Philippines

ADB is a multilateral development financial institution owned by 64 members, 46 from the region and 18 from other parts of the globe. Its work is aimed at improving the welfare of the people in Asia and the Pacific, particularly the 1.9 billion who live on less than $2 a day through policy dialogues, loans, technical assistance, grants, guarantees, and equity investments.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Singapore

Singapore

APEC was established in 1989 to further enhance economic growth and prosperity for the region and to strengthen the Asia-Pacific community. Since its inception, APEC has worked to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers across the Asia-Pacific region, creating efficient domestic economies and dramatically increasing exports.

Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANPRC)

Malaysia

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) is an inter-governmental organization, formed by natural rubber producing countries to promote the overall interests of the commodity. It was founded by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam in October 1970. Its membership is open to the governments of countries producing natural rubber. The objectives of the Association are: to bring about co-ordination in the production and marketing of natural rubber; to promote technical co-operation among members; and to bring about remunerative and stable prices for natural rubber. Tel.: [60](3)2161-1900

Association of South east Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Jakarta

Indonesia

ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 The aims and purposes of the Association are: (i) to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian nations, and (ii) to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Baltic Council of Ministers

Estonia, Republic of

The Baltic Council of Ministers is an institution for cooperation between the governments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, established on June 13, 1994. Telephone Numbers: Estonia: [372](6)31-7168; Latvia: [371]701-6143; Lithuania: [370](2)62-0630

Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

Basel

Switzerland

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is an international organization which fosters international monetary and financial cooperation and serves as a bank for central banks. The BIS fulfils this mandate by acting as: a forum to promote discussion and policy analysis among central banks and within the international financial community; a centre for economic and monetary research; a prime counterparty for central banks in their financial transactions; agent or trustee in connection with international financial operations.

Bank of Central African States

Yaoundé

Cameroon

Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB)

Thessaloniki

Greece

The BSTDB is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine. With an authorized capital of SDR 1 billion (approx. 1,325 billion US dollars), the Bank supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing trade and project financing, guarantees, and equity for development projects supporting both public and private enterprises in its member countries.

Caribbean Centre for Monetary Studies (CCMS)

Trinidad and Tobago

In broad terms, the objectives of the Caribbean Centre for Monetary Studies are: (1) to conduct research into monetary, financial and central banking issues of relevance to the Caribbean; (2) to take an active part in training personnel at the regional central banks and other related financial institutions; and (3) to develop specialist regional understanding of the functioning of the financial systems in the region and assisting in upgrading the research and forecasting capability in the region. The center has as its 9 members the Central Banks of The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Guyana, the Bank of Jamaica, and the University of the West Indies. Tel.: [1](868)645-1174

Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Georgetown

Guyana

The objectives of the Community are: to improve standards of living and work; the full employment of labor and other factors of production; accelerated, coordinated and sustained economic development and convergence; expansion of trade and economic relations with third States; enhanced levels of international competitiveness; organization for increased production and productivity; achievement of a greater measure of economic leverage and effectiveness of Member States in dealing with third States, groups of States and entities of any description and the enhanced co-ordination of Member States' foreign and foreign economic policies and enhanced functional co-operation.

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

St. Michael

Barbados

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is a regional financial institution established in 1969. The Bank was established for the purpose of contributing to the harmonious economic growth and development of the member countries in the Caribbean, having special and urgent regard to the needs of the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) of the Region. The CDB provides loan financing to the governments of it Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs), and to public and private sector entities in those countries. It also lends to private sector entities without government guarantee, and invests in equity in those enterprises. As part of its loan financing, CDB includes Technical Assistance to public and private sector enterprises in its BMCs. The Bank's Borrowing Member Countries are: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre

Bridgetown

Barbados

CARTAC operates as a UNDP project with the International Monetary Fund serving as the executing agency. It was created to help develop skills in the specialized areas required to design and implement measures to meet the standards of economic and financial governance expected of them by their citizens at both the national and regional levels.

Center for Latin American Monetary Studies (CEMLA)

Mexico, DF

Mexico

CEMLA's mission is to promote understanding of monetary and financial matters in Latin America through training, information, and research. It also acts as a secretariat for meetings of regional monetary authorities with the purpose of exchanging experience and coordinate positions.

Center for Marketing Information and Advisory Services for Fishery Products in Latin America and the Caribbean (INFOPESCA)

Montevideo

Uruguay

INFOPESCA is an international and independent organization aiming to serve enterprises, sectorial associations and governments in all aspects related to fisheries and aquaculture development. Its particularity is to develop projects in different fields such as production, processing and distribution having always a marketing concept in mind.

Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI)

Tegucigalpa

Honduras

The bank's main goals are to advance to superior forms of regional integration, strengthen and integrate regional financial markets, as well as stimulate the physical and commercial processes of integration of Central America.

Central American Monetary Council (CAMC)

San Jose

Costa Rica

Created in 1964, the Council seeks, by a permanent system of consultation, to promote the coordination of monetary, credit, and exchange policies which would progressively form the basis of the Central American Monetary Union. The members of the Council are the Presidents of the Central Banks of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Dominican Republic.

Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)

Dakar

Senegal

The Central Bank has the sole right of currency issue throughout West African Member States member States. It issues the monetary signs, banknotes and coins which are legal tender and the territory of the members States of the Union.

Colombo Plan for CO-Operative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific

Colombo

Sri Lanka

The Plan embodies the concept of a collective intergovernmental effort toward the economic and social development of member countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It provides a forum for discussion of development needs of member countries and through consensus implements programs in response to their identified needs. The Plan encourages developing member countries to become donors themselves and participate in economic and technical cooperation among developing countries (ECDC and TCDC). The primary focus of all Colombo Plan activities is human resources development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Common Fund for Commodities

Amsterdam

Netherlands, Kingdom of the Netherlands

The CFC is an inter-governmental financial institution established within the framework of the United Nations. The Fund's specific mandate is to support developing countries that are commodity dependent to improve and diversify commodities production and trade. Its projects typically have a market development and poverty alleviation orientation. The Fund currently has a membership of 106 countries.

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

Lusaka

Zambia

COMESA was established 'as an organization of 20 free independent sovereign African states that agreed to co-operate in developing their natural and human resources. Its main focus is on the formation of a large economic and trading unit through economic integration.

Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC)

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia

The GCC Charter states that the basic objectives are to effect coordination, integration and inter-connection between Member States in all fields, strengthening ties between their peoples, formulating similar regulations in various fields such as economy, finance, trade, customs, tourism, legislation, administration, as well as fostering scientific and technical progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water and animal resources, establishing scientific research centers, setting up joint ventures, and encouraging cooperation of the private sector.

Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)

Paris

France

Set up in 1956, the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is the oldest international financial institution in Europe and the only one with an exclusively social vocation. The CEB is the financial instrument of the policy of solidarity developed by the Council of Europe. The CEB is a multilateral development bank placed under the supreme authority of the Council of Europe. It nevertheless has its own full legal status and financial autonomy. By granting loans, the Bank participates in the financing of social projects, responds to emergency situations and thus contributes to improving living conditions and social cohesion in the less advantaged regions of Europe. The CEB grants loans in Europe, in the member states.

Council of the Baltic Sea States

Stockholm

Sweden

The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) is an overall political forum for regional intergovernmental cooperation. The members of the Council are the 11 states of the Baltic Sea region as well as the European Commission.

East African Development Bank

Kampala

Uganda

The Bank offers a broad range of financial services in the Member States of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania with an overriding objective of strengthening socio-economic development and regional integration.

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)

Basseterre

St. Kitts and Nevis

The ECCB was established in 1983. It is the Monetary Authority for a group of eight island economies namely - Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Its mission is to maintain the stability of the EC dollar and the integrity of the banking system in order to facilitate the balanced growth and development of member states.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Abuja

Nigeria

ECOWAS is a regional group of fifteen countries, founded in 1975. Its mission is to promote economic integration in "all fields of economic activity, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, social and cultural matters.

Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)

Tehran

Iran, Islamic Republic of

ECO is an intergovernmental regional organization established in 1985 for the purpose of promoting economic, technical and cultural cooperation among the Member States. It is the successor organization of Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) which remained in existence since 1964 up to 1979. Its members are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

London

United Kingdom

Today the EBRD uses the tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies in 27 countries from central Europe to central Asia. It is the largest single investor in the region and mobilizes significant foreign direct investment beyond its own financing. It is owned by 60 countries and two intergovernmental institutions. But despite its public sector shareholders, it invests mainly in private enterprises, usually together with commercial partners.

European Central Bank (ECB)

Frankfurt

Germany

The ECB is the central bank for Europe's single currency, the Euro. The ECB's main task is to maintain the euro's purchasing power and thus price stability in the Euro area. The Euro area comprises the 12 European Union countries that have introduced the Euro since 1999.

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

Geneva

Switzerland

EFTA is an intergovernmental organization promoting free trade and strengthening economic relations. EFTA's Member States are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The EFTA Secretariat supports the Member States in managing the EFTA free trade area, the EFTA participation in the European Economic Area (EEA) and EFTA's network of free trade agreements.

European Investment Bank (EIB)

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

European Investment Fund

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

The EIF's activity is centered upon two areas, venture capital and guarantees: EIF's venture capital instruments consist of equity investments in venture capital funds and business incubators that support SMEs, particularly those that are early stage and technology-oriented; EIF's guarantee instruments consist of providing guarantees to financial institutions that cover credits to SMEs. Through the leverage effect of its venture capital and guarantee instruments, the EIF is able to contribute to the development of SMEs in the EU Member States and the Candidate Countries.

European Union (EU) European Community (EC)--European Coal and Steel Community

Brussels

Belgium

The European Union (EU) is a family of democratic European countries, committed to working together for peace and prosperity. It is not a State intended to replace existing States, nor is it just an organization for international cooperation. Its member states have set up common institutions to which they delegate some of their sovereignty so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level.

Financial Fund for the Development of the River Plate Basin

Santa Cruz

Bolivia

Created in 1969 for the development and integration of the subregion. FONPLATA's objective is the financing, within the terms of Article 1 of the River Plate Treaty, studies, projects, programs and tasks that promote the harmonic development and physical integration of the River Plate, assigning for such effect their own financial resources and those obtained from other financial sources. 5 member countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Rome

Italy

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. It helps developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all. Since its founding in 1945, it has focused special attention on developing rural areas, home to 70 percent of the world's poor and hungry people.

Fund for Co-Operation, Compensation and Development (ECOWAS FUND)

Lomé

Togo

ECOWAS is a regional group of fifteen countries, founded in 1975. Its mission is to promote economic integration in "all fields of economic activity, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, social and cultural matters ....."

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

Washington DC

United States

The Inter-American Development Bank helps foster sustainable economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean through its lending operations, leadership in regional initiatives, research and knowledge dissemination activities, institutes and programs. The Bank assists its Latin American and Caribbean borrowing member countries in formulating development policies and provides financing and technical assistance to achieve environmentally sustainable economic growth and increase competitiveness, enhance social equity and fight poverty, modernize the state, and foster free trade and regional integration.

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agricultrue (IICA)

San José

Costa Rica

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is a specialized agency of the inter-American system, and its purposes are to encourage and support the efforts of its Member States to foster agricultural development and rural well-being in their territories.

Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation (IAIGC)

Al-Shuwaikh

Kuwait

The Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation is a Pan-Arab regional organization with membership of all Arab countries (except Comoros Islands). It was established with the aim of promoting inter-Arab investments and trade. AIGC has two objectives: to provide insurance coverage for inter-Arab investments and export credits against non-commercial risks for the former and non-commercial and commercial risks for the latter, and to foster inter-Arab investment flows through the awareness of potential investors of investment opportunities, provision of institutional support, and development of human capital.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Vienna

Austria

The IAEA is the world's center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world's "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Montreal

Canada

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was founded with the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation on December 7, 1944. A specialized agency of the United Nations, it sets international standards and regulations necessary for the safety, security, efficiency and regularity of air transport and serves as the medium for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among is 188 Contracting States.

International Cocoa Organization (ICCO)

London

United Kingdom

Established to administer the provisions of the International Cocoa Agreement, 1972, and its successor Agreements of 1975, 1980, 1986, and 1993. The main objectives of the successive Agreements have been to ensure the production of adequate supplies of cocoa at prices remunerative to producers and fair to consumers, to prevent excessive price fluctuations, and to secure a balance between supply and demand.

International Coffee Organization (ICO)

London

United Kingdom

The ICO was set up in London in 1963 under the auspices of the United Nations because of the great economic importance of coffee. It has administered six International Coffee Agreements (ICAs. Its Members include coffee exporting and importing countries, and it functions through the International Coffee Council, the Executive Board, the Private Sector Consultative Board, the Executive Director and a small Secretariat. It is the main intergovernmental organization for coffee, bringing together producing and consuming countries to tackle the challenges facing the world coffee sector through international cooperation. It makes a practical contribution to the world coffee economy and to improving standards of living in developing countries.

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)

Brussels

Belgium

The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), was set up in 1949 and has 236 affiliated organizations in 154 countries and territories on all five continents, with a membership of 155 million. It has three major regional organizations, APRO for Asia and the Pacific, AFRO for Africa, and ORIT for the Americas. It also maintains close links with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) (which includes all ICFTU European affiliates) and Global Union Federations, which link together national unions from a particular trade or industry at international level. It is a Confederation of national trade union centers, each of which links together the trade unions of that particular country. Membership is open to bona fide trade union organizations, that are independent of outside influence, and have a democratic structure.

International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)

Washington DC

United States

ICAC's mission is to assist governments in fostering a healthy world cotton economy. The role of the ICAC is to raise awareness, to provide information and to serve as a catalyst for cooperative action on issues of international significance. It provides statistics on world cotton production, consumption, trade and stocks and to identify emerging changes in the structure of the world cotton market; Serves as a clearing house for technical information about cotton and cotton textiles; Serves as an objective forum for discussion of cotton matters of international significance; Represents the international cotton industry before UN agencies and other international organizations.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Rome

Italy

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. Seventy-five per cent of the world's poorest people - 900 million women, children and men - live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihoods. Working with rural poor people, governments, donors, non-governmental organizations and many other partners, IFAD focuses on country-specific solutions, which can involve increasing rural poor peoples' access to financial services, markets, technology, land and other natural resources.

International Grains Council

London

United Kingdom

The IGC 's functions are to oversee the implementation of the Grains Trade Convention; to discuss current and prospective world grain market developments; and to monitor changes in national grain policies and their market implications. The Council may develop and sponsor grains-related projects in member countries for financing by the UN Common Fund for Commodities.

International Labour Organization

Geneva

Switzerland

The International Labour Organization is the UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. It formulates international labour standards in the form of Conventions and Recommendations setting minimum standards of basic labour rights: freedom of association, the right to organize, collective bargaining, abolition of forced labour, equality of opportunity and treatment, and other standards regulating conditions across the entire spectrum of work related issues. It also provides technical assistance in various fields. It promotes the development of independent employers' and workers' organizations and provides training and advisory services to those organizations. Within the UN system, the ILO has a unique tripartite structure with workers and employers participating as equal partners with governments in the work of its governing organs.

International Lead and Zinc Study Group

London

United Kingdom

The International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) is an intergovernmental organization which regularly brings together twenty-eight member countries in an international forum to exchange information on lead and zinc. ILZSG provides a unique and globally recognized source of industry statistics and organizes twice yearly meetings between producing and consuming countries, industry and government representatives.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Washington DC

United States

International Olive Oil Council (IOOC)

Madrid

Spain

The IOOC is the intergovernmental organization in charge of administering the International Olive Oil Agreement. It has become over the years a unique multilateral tool working for world olive farming. By coordinating national production and marketing policies for olive oils and table olives, adopting rules and standards to ensure product authenticity and implementing multidisciplinary activities in the fields of agriculture, technology, science and information, the Council has become the linchpin of any multilateral activity aimed at defending and promoting the olive tree and its produce.

International Rubber Study Group

Wembley

United Kingdom

The IRSG provides a forum for the discussion of matters affecting the supply and demand of both synthetic and natural rubber. It covers all aspects of the world rubber industry, including marketing, shipping, distribution and trade in raw materials and the manufacture and sale of rubber products. The Study Group is the authoritative source of statistical data supplied by Member Governments and other countries and organizations on production, consumption and trade in rubber and rubber products. It prepares current estimates and forecasts future trends, and undertakes and publishes statistical, economic and techno-economic studies on specific aspects of the industry.

International Sugar Organization (ISO)

London

United Kingdom

The ISO exists to administer the internationally negotiated 1992 International Sugar Agreement (ISA), the objectives of which are: to ensure enhanced international cooperation in connection with world sugar matters and related issues; to provide a forum for intergovernmental consultations on sugar and on ways to improve the world sugar economy; to facilitate trade by collecting and providing information on the world sugar market and other sweeteners; to encourage increased demand for sugar, particularly for non-traditional uses.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Geneva

Switzerland

The Union was established last century as an impartial, international organization within which governments and the private sector could work together to coordinate the operation of telecommunication networks and services and advance the development of communications technology. The three Sectors of the Union - Radio communication (ITU-R), Telecommunication Standardization (ITU-T), and Telecommunication Development (ITU-D) - work today to build and shape tomorrow's networks and services. Their activities cover all aspects of telecommunication, from setting standards that facilitate seamless interworking of equipment and systems on a global basis to adopting operational procedures for the vast and growing array of wireless services and designing programmes to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world.

International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)

Yokohama

Japan

ITTO develops internationally agreed policy documents to promote sustainable forest management and forest conservation and assists tropical member countries to adapt such policies to local circumstances and to implement them in the field through projects. In addition, ITTO collects, analyses and disseminates data on the production and trade of tropical timber and funds a range of projects and other action aimed at developing industries at both community and industrial scales.

Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB)

Jeddah

Saudi Arabia

The functions of the Bank are to participate in equity capital and grant loans for productive projects and enterprises besides providing financial assistance to member countries in other forms for economic and social development. The Bank is also required to establish and operate special funds for specific purposes including a fund for assistance to Muslim communities in non-member countries, in addition to setting up trust funds. The Bank is authorized to accept deposits and to mobilize financial resources through Shari'ah compatible modes. It is also charged with the responsibility of assisting in the promotion of foreign trade, especially in capital goods, among member countries; providing technical assistance to member countries; and extending training facilities for personnel engaged in development activities in Muslim countries to conform to the Shari'ah.

Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI)

Jeddah

Saudi Arabia

The Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) was established in 1401H (1981G) to undertake research and provide training and information services in the member countries of the Islamic Development Bank and Muslim communities in non-member countries to help bring their economic, financial and banking activities into conformity with Shari'ah and to further economic development and cooperation amongst them.

Joint Vienna Institute (JVI)

Vienna

Austria

The Joint Vienna Institute (JVI) is an international training institute located in Vienna, Austria. It was launched in 1992 by five international organizations and the Austrian authorities to respond rapidly to the large demand from economies in transition to train officials in market economics and the free enterprise system.

Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development

Safat

Kuwait

Established in 1961, the Kuwait Fund is the principal agency of the State of Kuwait for the provision and administration of financial and technical assistance to developing countries. The operations of the Fund were originally confined, in accordance with its initial mandate, to the Arab countries. However, pursuant to a law promulgated in July 1974 to reorganize the Fund, the scope of the Fund's activity was extended to the rest of the developing world. In exercising its functions, the paramount concern of the Fund is to serve the interests of developing countries in achieving economic development and also to promote friendly relations and cooperation between the State of Kuwait and these countries.

Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC)

Chad

Established in 1964 by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, countries sharing borders on Lake Chad. The Central African Republic (CAR) joined the Commission as the fifth Member State in 1994. The aims of the Commission are to regulate and control the utilization of water and other natural resources in the basin; to initiate, promote and coordinate natural resources development projects and research within the basin area; to examine complaints; and to promote the settlement of disputes, thereby promoting regional cooperation. Tel.: [235]52-4145

Latin American Association of Development Financing Institutions

Lima

Peru

Established in 1968 at a meeting convened for that purpose by the Inter-American Development Bank (IaDB), the objectives of the Association are to promote cooperation among its members, to establish a flow of information between them, and to encourage studies on problems of common interest, in order to unite and strengthen its members and to stimulate them to contribute to the process of Latin American integration, thus rendering their individual and collective actions more effective.

Latin American Economic System

Caracas

Venezuela, República Bolivariana de

The Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) is a regional intergovernmental organization that groups 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries. Its objectives are to provide the Latin American and Caribbean region with a system of consultation and coordination for the adoption of common positions and strategies on economic issues in international bodies and forums and before third countries and groups of countries; and to foster cooperation and integration among the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Latin American Energy Organization

Quito

Ecuador

Created in 1973, the Organization's charter that has been ratified by 26 member countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is an international public cooperation, coordination, and advisory energy organization basically aimed at ensuring the integration, protection, conservation, rational development, marketing, and defense of the region's energy resources.

Latin American Export Bank, Inc. (BLADEX)

Panama City

Panama

BLADEX is a multinational bank created by the Central Banks of Latin America and the Caribbean countries. It has the shareholder participation of 23 countries of the Region, represented by Latin America's central and commercial banks, as well as international banks, and private investors. Its client base includes commercial banks, state-owned entities and private corporations of the Region. BLADEX provides financing at market rates principally to its stockholder banks and to other selected commercial banks and state-owned organizations in the Region.

Latin American Integration Association (ALADI)

Montevideo

Uruguay

ALADI was established in 1980 by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of 11 Latin American states. The organization aims to pursue the integration process in the region leading to its harmonious and balanced socioeconomic development. In particular, the organization's duties include the promotion and regulation of reciprocal trade, development of economic complementarity, and support of actions for economic cooperation to encourage market expansion.

Latin American Reserve Fund (LARF)

Bogota

Colombia

Established in March 1991 as the successor to the Andean Reserve Fund (ARF), the LARF is a regional financial institution having an independent juridical personality. Its functions are to assist in correcting payments imbalances through loans with terms of up to four years and guarantees extended to members, to coordinate their monetary, exchange, and financial policies and to promote the liberalization of trade and payments in the Andean subregion.

League of Arab States

Cairo

Egypt, Arab Republic of

Established in 1945 upon signature of its Pact by seven Arab States, The League is a national and regional organization that seeks to promote closer ties among member-states and coordinate their policies and their economic, cultural and security plans with a view to developing collective cooperation, protecting national security and maintaining the independence and sovereignty of member-states; thereby enhancing the potential for joint Arab action in all fields. Economic, social and cultural activities constitute principal and vital elements of joint action in addition to the fact that they provide solid grounds for development, security, liberation and economic integration.

Mekong River Commission (MRC)

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

Established in 1995, the Agreement was signed by the four riparian countries: Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thailand and Viet Nam. The Commission replaced the Mekong Committee established in 1957 and the Interim Mekong Committee established in 1978. The Commission's objective is to cooperate in all fields of sustainable development, utilization, management and conservation of the water and related resources of the Mekong River Basin including but not limited to irrigation, hydro-power, navigation, flood control, fisheries, timber floating, recreation and tourism, in a manner to optimize the multiple-use and mutual benefits of all riparians and to minimize the harmful effects that might result from natural occurrences and man-made activities.

Nordic Development Fund (NDF)

Helsinki

Finland

The NDF commenced operations in February 1989. It is one element in the development aid cooperation between the five Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. NDF's capital amounts to SDR 515 million and EUR 330 million. NDF credits are offered to the least developed low and lower middle income countries (LLDC, LIC, and LMIC countries) according to the classification of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC). Priority is given to low income (LLDC and LIC) countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. NDF credits are offered only through co-financing with a leading partner, such as the multilateral organizations, the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Asian Development Bank (AsDB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IaDB), and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB).

Nordic Investment Bank

Helsinki

Finland

The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) agreement entered into force on June 1, 1976, in accordance with a decision of the Nordic Council of Ministers, and the Bank commenced operations on August 2, 1976. The purpose of the Bank is to make loans and give guarantees in accordance with regular banking practice, taking into account socio-economic considerations, in order to promote investment projects of mutual interest to the borrower country and the Nordic countries.

OPEC Fund for International Development

Vienna

Austria

The OPEC Fund for International Development was established by the OPEC Member Countries in 1976. It constitutes an addition to the existing bilateral and multilateral agencies used by OPEC Member Countries to extend their assistance to other developing countries. The objective of the Fund is to reinforce financial cooperation between OPEC Member Countries and other developing countries. To fulfill this objective, the Fund is empowered to engage in all functions necessary or incidental for such purpose. It is, in particular, empowered to: (i) provide concessional loans for balance of payments support and for the implementation of development projects and programs; (ii) make contributions and/or provide loans to eligible international agencies; (iii) finance technical assistance activities; and (iv) participate in the financing of private sector activities.

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

Paris

France

The OECD groups 30 member countries sharing a commitment to democratic government and the market economy. With active relationships with some 70 other countries, NGOs and civil society, it has a global reach. Best known for its publications and its statistics, its work covers economic and social issues from macroeconomics, to trade, education, development and science and innovation. The OECD plays a prominent role in fostering good governance in the public service and in corporate activity. It helps governments to ensure the responsiveness of key economic areas with sectoral monitoring. By deciphering emerging issues and identifying policies that work, it helps policy-makers adopt strategic orientations. It is well known for its individual country surveys and reviews.

Organization of American States (OAS)

Washington DC

United States

The OAS brings together the countries of the Western Hemisphere to strengthen cooperation and advance common interests. It is the region's premier forum for multilateral dialogue and concerted action. At the core of the OAS mission is an unequivocal commitment to democracy. Building on this foundation, the OAS works to promote good governance, strengthen human rights, foster peace and security, expand trade, and address the complex problems caused by poverty, drugs and corruption. Through decisions made by its political bodies and programs carried out by its General Secretariat, the OAS promotes greater inter-American cooperation and understanding.

Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC)

Safat

Kuwait

OAPEC was established in 1968 with permanent headquarters in Kuwait It is an instrument of Arab cooperation whose objective is to provide support to the Arab oil industry. Its activities are developmental in nature, and its membership is restricted to Arab countries with oil revenues that constitute a significant part of their GNP. Furthermore, it caters for issues that relate to energy in all members of the Arab League, and for that purpose a meeting is organized every four years.

Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

Castries

St. Lucia

OECS was formed by 9 Caribbean States to be a major regional institution contributing to the sustainable development of the OECS Member States by assisting them to maximize the benefits from their collective space, by facilitating their intelligent integration with the global economy; by contributing to policy and program formulation and execution in respect of regional and international issues, and by facilitation of bilateral and multilateral co-operation.

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Vienna

Austria

OPEC is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, formed by 13 petroleum producing countries to co-ordinate and unify 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.

Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre

Suva

Fiji

PFTAC was established in Fiji in 1993 to provide technical advice and capacity building to 15 Pacific island countries (PICs) in four key areas of economic and financial management. The Center is operated by the IMF in consultation with the governments of the PICs and the donors supporting it.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Suva

Fiji

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

Washington DC

United States

PAHO is an international public health agency with 100 years of experience in working to improve health and living standards of the countries of the Americas. It serves as the specialized organization for health of the Inter-American System. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system.

Regional Association of Oil and Natural Gas Companies in Latin America and the Caribbean

Montevideo

Uruguay

ARPEL is formed by more than twenty-five oil and natural gas companies, which represent over 90% of the Latin America's upstream and downstream sectors. ARPEL is an interactive Forum for the exchange of ideas, experiences and knowledge; a Forum designed for a timely identification of issues that may influence the industry's development. ARPEL continuously analyzes the most relevant issues concerning energy integration, the environment, health, safety, regulation frameworks, social responsibility and the problems affecting the sector, and drafts effective proposals for the region.

Regional Coordination Centre for Research and Development of Coarse Grains, Pulses, Roots and Tuber Crops in the Humid Tropics of Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP CGPRT Centre)

Indonesia

Established in 1981as a subsidiary body of ESCAP, the objective of the Centre is to provide members and associate members of ESCAP with expert technical services and facilities required for the development of production, utilization and trade of these crops, by strengthening national research and development activities as a means of solving food problems, increasing employment opportunities, achieving better income distribution and a balanced diet, as well as accelerating close linkages with livestock and other industries. Tel.: [62](251)35-6813

Regional Electrical Integration Commission

Montevideo

Uruguay

At present, CIER is a Non-Governmental Organization, with diplomatic status recognized by Uruguay, comprising the electric utilities and non-profit organisms linked with the national electric sectors of the ten South American countries of Iberian roots, which are Member Countries, and six Associate Members. The main objectives are: (a) greater efficiency of electric power utilities and governmental organisms in Member Countries; (b) assistance and technical cooperation between utilities and organisms; (c) professional training at all levels and its interchange between utilities and organisms; (d) transfer of knowledge, information, experiences, and documentation in technical, economic, and legal fields; (e) project development in a regional scope, especially considering the feasibility of electric international interconnections; (f) orientation and coordination of general interest activities for utilities and organisms, including research and development fields; (g) establishment of general specifications and technical standards accepted in all Member Countries; (h) improve the utilization of regional technical personnel and technologies; (i) promotion of regional statistical uniformity, strengthened through the operation of an up-to-date Data Bank; (j) rational use of electric energy with the aim, among others, of utilities equipment and operation optimization; (k) promotion of electric power regional utilization with special concern about environmental problems.

Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia

Established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1974, its objective is to participate in the financing of development projects in developing countries through the provision of soft loans with an emphasis on projects that promote the social and economic well-being in low income countries. The Fund is also entrusted with the task of financing and insuring of Saudi Non-Oil Exports. SFD's assistance is not tied to procurement and is without geographic and sectorial limitations. It works directly with governments and projects selected for financing must be priority projects which fit within the country's overall development strategy.

Secretariat for Central American Integration

Guatemala City

Guatemala

Sectorial Commission for the Common Market of the South-Uruguay

Montevideo

Uruguay

The Uruguayan Sectorial Commission for MERCOSUR-COMISEC-was established in Uruguay in 1991 by Presidential Decree. The Commission was given the following tasks: (a) advise the Government on possible internal measures to be taken in order to adapt the country to the process of regional integration; (b) coordinate and supervise all the Sub-Committees; (c) obtain and disseminate integrated related information; (d) engage in decision-making and propose all the measures thought to be necessary for the country's integration in MERCOSUR, with particular attention being paid to its re-conversion and re-adaptation to the new regional context; and (e) engage in all the relevant research with the capacity to solicit technical assistance when necessary.

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

Katmandu

Nepal

The SAARC was established in 1985 when its Charter was formally adopted by the Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The primary objective of the Association is the acceleration of the process of economic and social development in member states, through collective action in agreed areas of cooperation. These include Agriculture and Rural Development; Human Resource Development; Environment, Meteorology and Forestry; Science and Technology; Transport and Communications; Energy; and Social Development.

Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP)

Chiba

Japan

The SIAP aims to strengthen the capability of the developing countries of the region to collect, analyze and disseminate statistics as well as to produce timely and high-quality statistics that can be utilized for economic and social development planning, and to assist those developing countries in establishing or strengthening their statistical training capability and other related activities. The programmes of the Institute are carried out through: offer of fellowships for general courses, advanced courses and training workshops; conduct of country courses and the preparation of training course design and materials.

Training Centre for Regional Integration

Montevideo

Uruguay

The main purpose of the Training Centre for Regional Integration (CEFIR) is to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience between Europe and Latin America in matters related to the development, management, and implementation of public policies aimed at regional integration. CEFIR courses are intended to help strengthen and develop the capacity of the Latin American countries to implement and manage integration programs through training and enrichment activities, targeting high-level public and private officials involved in the formulation, management and implementation of public policies on integration, within the context of MERCOSUR, the Andean Community and other regional free trade agreements.

United Nations African Institute for Economic Development and Planning

Dakar

Senegal

IDEP is composed by 53 African member States. Its primary mission is to assist policymakers and other stakeholders in enhancing their skills in the areas of policymaking, long-term perspective planning and institutional and regulatory reforms as well as facilitate the emergence of policy ideas and consensus positions in Africa. Through its research program, IDEP seeks to create a new body of knowledge and to act as an interface between research and policymaking communities.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Geneva

Switzerland

UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization works to fulfill this mandate by carrying out three key functions: It functions as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations, supported by discussions with experts and exchanges of experience, aimed at consensus building; It undertakes research, policy analysis and data collection for the debates of government representatives and experts. It provides technical assistance tailored to the specific requirements of developing countries, with special attention to the needs of the least developed countries and of economies in transition.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

New York

United States

UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. UNDP helps developing countries attract and use aid effectively. In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Bangkok

Thailand

UNESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. Promoting economic and social development through regional and subregional cooperation and integration; Serving as the main economic and social development forum within the United Nations system for the UNESCAP region; Formulating and promoting development assistance activities and projects commensurate with the needs and priorities of the region while acting as an executing agency for relevant operational projects; Providing substantive and secretariat services and documentation for the Commission and its subsidiary bodies; Carrying out studies, research and other activities within the terms of reference of the Commission; Providing advisory services to governments at their request; Developing and executing programmes of technical cooperation; Coordinating UNESCAP activities with those of the major departments/offices of the United Nations at Headquarters and specialized agencies and intergovernmental organizations.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

Beirut

Lebanon

Established in 1973, ESCWA is a part of the Secretariat of the United Nations and is one of the five regional commissions which report to the Economic and Social Council. It's overall objective is to enhance the sustainable development of ESCWA member States; promoting regional co-operation and policy co-ordination among member States, and; highlighting the linkages among the economic, social, cultural, technological and environmental dimensions of development; to monitor and survey economic and social development trends of the member States (Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Yemen).

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

Addis Ababa

Ethiopia, The Federal Democratic Republic of

ECA is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. As the regional arm of the UN in Africa, it is mandated to support the economic and social development of its 53 member States, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. It reports to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The ECA deploys several modalities and services to support its member States: policy analysis and advocacy; enhancing partnerships; technical assistance; communication and knowledge sharing; and supporting subregional activities.

United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

Santiago

Chile

ECLAC is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. It was founded for the purposes of contributing to the economic development of Latin America, coordinating actions directed towards this end, reinforcing economic relationships among the countries and with the other nations of the world, and promoting the region's social development.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Paris

France

The main objective of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations. In support of this objective, UNESCO's principal functions are: (1) to promote intellectual co-operation and mutual understanding among peoples through all means of mass communications; (2) to give fresh impulse to popular education and to the spread of culture; (3) to maintain, increase and diffuse knowledge; (4) to encourage scientific research and training; and (5) to apply sciences and ensure human development and the rational management of natural resources.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Vienna

Austria

UNIDO was set up in 1966and became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1985. As part of the United Nations common system, UNIDO has responsibility for promoting industrialization throughout the developing world, in cooperation with its 171 Member States. Its headquarters are in Vienna, and it is represented in 35 developing countries. This representation and a number of specialized field offices, for investment and technology promotion and other specific aspects of its work, give UNIDO an active presence in the field.

United Nations Latin American and Caribbean Institute for Economic and Social Planning (ILPES)

Santiago

Chile

ILPES is the central training body for the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Berne

Switzerland

With 190 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal services and helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. In this way, the organization fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and renders technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail volumes and to improve the quality of service for customers.

West Africa Economic and Monetary Union

Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso

UEMOA was established by the Governments of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. Its main objectives are: (1) to reinforce the competitiveness of the economic and financial activities of Member States in the context of an open and rival market and a rationalized and harmonized juridical environment; (2) to ensure the convergence of the macro-economic performances and policies of Member States with the institution of a multilateral control procedure; (3) to create a common market among Member States based on the free circulation of the people, goods, services, and capital and on the right of people exercising an independent or remunerated activity to establish a common external tariff as well as a common commercial policy; (4) to institute a coordination for the national sector-based policies; and (5) to harmonize the legislation, especially the fiscal system of the Member States.

West African Development Bank

Lomé

Togo

Established in 1973 by the Member States of the West African Monetary Union, the aim of the BOAD is to promote balanced development of the States of the Union and to achieve West African economic integration by financing development projects.

World Bank Group

Washington DC

United States

The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. It is made up of two unique development institutions owned by 184 member countries-the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). Each institution plays a different but supportive role in its mission of global poverty reduction and the improvement of living standards. The IBRD focuses on middle income and creditworthy poor countries, while IDA focuses on the poorest countries in the world. Together they provide low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries for education, health, infrastructure, communications and many other purposes.

World Food Program (WFP)

Rome

Italy

The WFP was established by the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It is the largest international food aid organization in the world. Mandated to combat hunger and to encourage longer-term food security in the poorest regions of the globe.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Geneva

Switzerland

The WHO is the United Nations specialized agency for health. It was established on 7 April 1948. WHO's objective, as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health is defined in WHO's Constitution as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The WHO is governed by 192 Member States through the World Health Assembly. The Health Assembly is composed of representatives from WHO's Member States.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Geneva

Switzerland

The WTO is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.