UN is the largest, most universal and most authoritative international organization dedicated to the main political issues humanity. Political activity The UN is inextricably linked with economic and social tasks directly related to world politics. Target The United Nations is to promote the economic and social progress of all peoples. The organization has 193 members.

The UN system is a branched organism. The most universal body is the General Assembly, in which all UN member countries take part. The work of the UN General Assembly is carried out by committees. The General Assembly has main committees, standing committees and other subsidiary bodies.

ECOSOC is one of the 6 main organs of the UN. His responsibilities include organizing research and preparing various reports and recommendations on a wide range of international economic, social, cultural and other "related" issues. The Council prepares draft conventions for submission to the UNGA, may convene international conferences on these issues. ECOSOC creates various subsidiary bodies, on the basis of which a rather complex system of ECOSOC bodies has developed and operates. Its members are 54 countries, elected for a three-year term and annually renewing their membership by one third. About 70% of all UN budget funds are allocated for the implementation of the activities of this body.

The main questions of ECOSOC:

The state of the world economic and social status and preparation of fundamental reviews and other analytical publications;

· state international trade;

· Problems environment;

economic and scientific and technical assistance developing countries;

· development of UN international development strategies, monitoring their implementation, etc.

Within the framework of ECOSOC, various intergovernmental permanent and functional commissions and committees operate in the UN system: the Statistical Commission, the Commission on Population, the Commission on Human Rights, etc.

In addition to them, ECOSOC has created many expert and advisory bodies that act on an individual basis.

There are five regional commissions in the system of ECOSOC bodies:

1. Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

2. Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)

3. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific Ocean(ESCAP)

4. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

5. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

Russia participates in the work of the EEC and ESCAP and is a member of them.



UNCTAD - the UN Conference on Trade and Development, created in the UN as an independent and universal body (as opposed to GATT), called on behalf of the world community to regulate the complex problems of international trade. The main body of UNCTAD is the conference, which is convened in session twice a year. Sessions of UNCTAD committees are convened more often - on commodities, on finished products and semi-finished products, on shipping, technology transfer, economic cooperation between developing countries.

UNIDO- United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Field Representatives Advisory Committee (FARC) to develop and formulate guidelines for the selection, classification, recruitment, appointment, placement, reporting, management and evaluation of Senior Regional Industrial Development Advisers (SIDFA). During the year, UNIDO is working on more than 100 interregional and global projects for Latin America and Asia in all sectors of the economy and training.

A significant place in the system of international organizations of the UN is occupied by special programs:

· UNDP - The United Nations Development Program was created to help countries in need. The main criteria are population and GDP per capita. Assistance is provided for five-year indicative assignments for specific projects, mainly in the following forms: the dispatch of specialists, the supply of equipment and the training of national personnel. The share of UNDP funding ranges from 50 to 100%, depending on the level of development of the country.

· UNICEF - The United Nations Children's Fund was established to help children in developing countries. The fund is funded by voluntary contributions and donations.

· UNEP – environmental program, established to establish close international cooperation on environmental issues.

· UNU - The UN University was established in accordance with the decision of the UN General Assembly with the aim of implementing research and training programs of centers where specialists are trained and retrained.

· UNITAR - the UN training and research institute, established as an autonomous institution for the training of administrative and diplomatic personnel for developing countries.

IAEA– International Atomic Energy Agency.

Advice security includes in its structure the PKO (UN peacekeeping operations), as well as the military staff committee.

2.2. UN Specialized Agencies:

· UNESCO - the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture, established to develop international cooperation in these areas. Within the framework of UNESCO, there are many scientific cooperation programs.

· ILO – international labor organization, created on the basis of tripartite representation: government, workers, entrepreneurs. The main activity of the ILO is the development international conventions and recommendations on labor and trade union rights.

· ITU – The International Telecommunication Union is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to organize effective international cooperation in the field of all types of telecommunications.

· UPU – The universal postal union was created to ensure the organization of postal relations and guarantee the freedom of postal transit.

· WHO – world health organization. The programs of WHO and its bodies include all the most important areas of public health, including the training of medical personnel, the coordination of medical and biological research, the exchange of medical knowledge, etc.

· FAO – food and agriculture organization, is engaged in extensive activities, collecting, summarizing and analyzing information on nutrition, environmental management, agricultural production, forestry and fisheries.

The UN system also has a number of specialized agencies, which includes most of the countries of the world: the world meteorological organization (WMO), the world organization intellectual property(WIPO), World Tourism Organization (IMO). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is not formally a specialized agency of the UN, although it acts practically like a UN agency, being part of its system.

The OECD is the successor to the Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC), which, in turn, was created on the basis of the European Recovery Programmer proposed by US Secretary of State A. Marshall, known as the Marshall Plan (1947). In 1948, the OEEC was created to coordinate this program for the economic recovery of 16 European countries.

The members of the organization were Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Great Britain, the Anglo-American and French occupation zones of Germany. In 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany became a full member of the organization, and in 1950, Canada and the United States joined as associate members. Although initially the activities of the organization were mainly limited to the implementation of the European Recovery Program, subsequently, within its framework, programs were implemented aimed at stimulating economic cooperation between member countries through trade liberalization and the creation of a system of multilateral settlements.

In 1960, in Paris, between the OEEC members and a number of other countries, the Convention on the Establishment of the OECD was signed, ratified by the parliaments of the countries and entered into force in 1961. The OECD includes 31 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Greece , Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, USA, Turkey, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan, Slovenia, Slovakia .

The main tasks and functions of the OECD:

  • formulating, coordinating and implementing policies aimed at stimulating economic growth and maintaining financial stability in participating countries;
  • stimulating and coordinating the efforts of the participating countries in the field of financial and technical assistance to developing countries;
  • promoting the expansion of international trade, excluding the use of discriminatory measures.

Simplified OECD scheme:

  • The main body is the Council (General Secretariat);
  • Directorates:

■ executive directorate,

■ Directorate for Finance, Fiscal Policy and Entrepreneurship,

■ Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Directorate,

■ work with the public and the media,

■ directorate for cooperation in development issues,

■ cooperation with non-OECD countries,

■ trade directorate,

■ directorate for environmental protection,

■ directorate for economic affairs,

■ Directorate for Statistics,

■ public sector management service,

■ education, employment, labor and social issues,

■ Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry.

The organization is governed by a Council composed of representatives from all participating countries. The activities of the OECD are carried out by more than 100 specialized committees and working groups, which, together with the international secretariat, study specific problems and formulate policy recommendations, for example, in the fields of economic development, technical cooperation, international trade, energy and environmental protection. Council founded in 1974.

Among the developments carried out under the auspices of the OECD, we should mention the Code of Conduct for TNCs (adopted by the UN in the 1970s), and also the guidelines devoted to the procedure for the preparation of financial statements by TNCs. The OECD institutions do a very useful job of facilitating international forums where the political, economic, cultural and other global or regional issues of today are discussed.

Organizations of the OECD:

  • International Energy Agency (IEA);
  • Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA);
  • Center for Research and Innovation in Education (CINO);
  • Development Center;
  • Territory Development Service.

International Energy Agency (IEA) is designed to stimulate international cooperation in the field of energy and reduce the dependence of participating countries on oil imports. Operating since 1974

Atomic Energy Agency ( ATE), established in 1958 as the European Atomic Energy Agency, promotes international cooperation among OECD member countries in the development and use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.

Center for Research and Innovation in Education (CINO) established in 1968 to encourage and promote the development research activities in the field of education. All OECD member countries are members of CINO.

OECD Development Center created by a decision of the OECD Council in 1962 with the aim of pooling the knowledge and experience of member countries in the field of economic development, as well as the development and implementation of a common policy of economic assistance; making such knowledge and experience available to developing countries in accordance with their needs. All OECD member countries are members of the Center.

An important role in the OECD is played by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC), which is a specialized committee. Its functions include consideration of issues such as assistance to Member States, as well as developing countries; ensuring the necessary amount of resources that can be provided to developing countries; providing support to countries in order to ensure their sustainable development, building the capacity to participate in the global economy. In 1993, the DAC revised the list of developing countries receiving official development assistance; it included the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. In 1995, the document "Partnership for Development in a Changed World" was adopted, which contains the main directions for supporting the efforts of member states in ensuring sustainable economic and social development. In 1990, within the framework of the OECD, the Center for Cooperation with European Countries with Economies in Transition was established to coordinate relations between the OECD and the countries of Eastern Europe. This center also provides training in the following areas: economic development and structural adjustment; competition; labor market; banks and social policy; banking and finance, etc.

The OECD has developed a multilateral investment agreement (MIT) that is open to member countries. The group of committees also deals with the promotion of the efficient use of economic resources industry and agriculture. Financing of the OECD activities is carried out at the expense of the contributions of the members of the Organization. The OECD has official relations with a number of international organizations - the ILO, UNESCO, IMF, WTO, UNCTAD, etc.

G-7 - G-8. Group-7 (G-7) was created in 1975 at the initiative of French President Giscard d'Estaing with the aim of an annual discussion by the heads of the world's leading economic powers of the most important issues economy. This group included the USA, Japan, Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy and Canada.

It should be noted that the leaders of these countries invariably turned their attention primarily to actual problems world economic development, especially since the early 1990s, when the world socialist system collapsed and for many new countries that chose capitalist values, the era of fundamental changes. From such positions, i.e. as an incentive grant, obviously, it is most correct to assess the fact that Russia was invited to participate in the G-7, received in 1997.

However, Russia's full-fledged entry into the G7 did not occur until 2003 - the leaders considered the main economic issues as before within the framework of the G7. The powerful strengthening of Russia's economic positions, especially in the oil and gas sector, and the desire Russian President to an independent foreign policy, the rejection of the status of the "junior partner" of the West - all this contributed to the revision of relations with Russia. These factors seem to have played a decisive role in this matter. Despite the fact that Russia lags far behind in terms of GDP growth(GNP) both in absolute volumes and in per capita terms, not only from developed countries, but also of a whole group of developing states, the leaders of the G-7 granted our country an equal status in this organization, which has (albeit informally) a serious influence on international economic relations. Recall that during the Scottish summit in 2005, the G8 leaders decided to provide assistance to the least developed countries (the last in the PC group in terms of poverty) in the amount of $50 billion, as well as to write off the debts of developing countries. Similar decisions were made in the G-8 in 2009-2012, when the need to provide assistance to this group of countries was foreseen. Judging by the actual assessment, Russia occupies one of the leading places in terms of the amount of debts written off in 2005 (more than $15 billion).

"Group-77"- a group within UNCTAD, created to assist developing countries in the formation of plans for the development of the economy and international trade. It currently includes 122 countries.

"Group of Ten" a group within the IMF whose members are Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, the United States, Germany, France, Sweden, and Japan. Switzerland, while not a member of the IMF, is an associate member.

"Group of Five" USA, France, Japan, Germany and UK. These countries, usually represented

finance ministers or central bank governors meet several times a year on economic issues.

The "Group of Five" was formed in 2005 during the last round of negotiations within the WTO (Doha, Qatar, 2001) in order to reach a compromise with developed countries. It includes: Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa. Since that period, the Five have been interacting with the G-8, consultations were especially intense in 2008-2010, during the period global crisis.

"Group-20". The G-20 is an informal international forum that brings together the heads of government and states of systemically important industrialized countries and countries with emerging markets. G-20 members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, UK, Germany, Indonesia, India, Italy, Canada, China, Mexico, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, USA, Turkey, France, South Africa, South Korea, Japan, European Union (EU ), IMF and WB. From the IMF and the WB, the IMF Managing Director and the President of the World Bank, as well as the chairmen of the committees of these organizations: the International Monetary and Financial Committee and the Development Committee take part in the forum. The G-20 countries account for about 90% of global GDP and 80% of trade (including trade within the EU), as well as 2/3 of the population.

During the global economic crisis, there has been a clear downward trend in the weight and influence of the G-8 in favor of the G-20. In fact, all the main decisions and recommendations during the last summits were already taken within the framework of the G-20. This also affected the strengthening of influence on international regulation activities of financial institutions through the Council on Financial Statistics, established by decision of the G-20 in 2010.

Ministerial Group-20. The decision to organize the international forum "Group-20" (G-20) was made at a meeting of heads of finance ministries and central banks G7 countries on September 25, 1999 in Washington. The idea of ​​creating the G-20 is due to the joint commitment adopted at the meeting of the leaders of the "Group-7" in Cologne (June 1999) "...to establish an informal mechanism for dialogue between the backbone countries of the world within the framework of the Bretton Woods system." This idea was developed in the Communiqué of the meeting, where the goal of creating the G-20 was "expanding dialogue on key issues of economic and financial policy among the main systemically important countries of the world and developing cooperation in order to achieve stable and sustainable growth of the world economy for the benefit of all countries."

The founding conference of G-20 finance ministers and central bank governors was held on 15–16 December 1999 in Berlin. The G-20 does not have its own staff. The presiding country appoints an interim secretariat of the group for the period of its chairmanship, which coordinates the work of the group and organizes its meetings. The Chairman of the G-20 is elected for a period of one year on a rotational basis and ensures the holding of a meeting / meetings of the Ministers of Finance and Governors of the Central Banks of the participating countries (the Chairman of the Bank of Russia participates on a permanent basis); meetings of their deputies, as well as thematic seminars organized for discussion by the participating countries of the main issues that will be raised in the final document of the "ministerial" meeting - the Communiqué.

Since the founding of the G-20, Canada has been the chair country for the first three years. In 2013, the role of chairman is performed by Russia. The chairmanship changes on an annual basis. All G-20 countries are subdivided into five groups, from each of which a chairman is elected once every five years.

The decision to establish a G-20 managing Troika consisting of the previous, current and future chairmen was taken in 2002.

Troika is responsible for preparing the agenda of the meetings, selecting speakers (after consultations with members of the G-20), and organizing the meetings. The Troika currently consists of Brazil, Great Britain and the Republic of Korea.

Washington (November 15, 2008) and London (April 2, 2009) G-20 (G20) summits. On November 15, 2008, in the midst of the global crisis, the then President of America, George W. Bush, convened in Washington a summit of two groups - the G8 and the G20 - and tried to encourage them to take coordinated measures to overcome the economic crisis raging in the world. According to many analysts, the world's leading economic powers failed to agree on any of the issues proposed on the agenda. And it was necessary to agree at all costs - the G-20 countries accumulated about 90% of the MVP, and the dynamics of the global crisis to a certain extent depends on their decisions.

In fact, this first-ever G-20 summit has become an important milestone for the future of the entire system of international economic relations. Only at first glance it seemed that from a practical point of view, this meeting of the leaders of the world's leading economies did not bring any major results. In particular, in its final Communiqué, such provisions as the creation of boards of financial controllers to oversee the largest international financial institutions and the development of unified global accounting standards deserve attention. At the summit, it was stated that the principles of managing global finance must change; the need to expand the composition of the Financial Stability Forum (which is the organization of regulators and central banks responsible for the technical side of financial supervision), as well as the need for a comprehensive reform of the IMF and the World Bank, was emphasized.

At the same time, the most significant outcome of the summit was the change in the role of the G-20 in the world arena, while at the same time - we can say with confidence - reducing the weight of such an influential club of leading developed countries as the G8.

London G-20 summit. It seemed that the London meeting of the G20 meant the formation of a new important international center for making decisions of a global nature. The adoption of a number of important decisions, apparently, was facilitated by the following two circumstances.

First, during their first meeting in Washington, some participants (if not most) proceeded from the assumption that in the summer of 2009 the development of the crisis would stop, it would slow down, and by the beginning of autumn a recovery phase would begin. Such a development of the global crisis was described by many economists and analysts and international organizations in their reports. In fact, the opposite happened - the crisis deepened everywhere, investments decreased, unemployment increased, the social and labor situation deteriorated, and secondly, in such an environment of uncertainty and instability, a more favorable political background was created for reaching agreement on a number of issues (although far from all necessary) concerning the development of general anti-crisis measures affecting a number of fundamental provisions of global economic policy and the principles of the activities of international financial and economic organizations (IMF, as well as G-8).

In this regard, it can be noted that the London Summit in 2009 was the biggest success continental European model of economic regulation. In the final Declaration of the summit, almost all the requirements of Germany and France were taken into account. The G7 Financial Stability Forum has been turned into the Financial Stability Board, and the small FSF secretariat that operated at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel will now be replaced by a larger body that can more effectively track the state of global finance. All parties agreed to establish tight control over the activities of systemically important hedge funds. This is an extremely important, breakthrough decision, since 52% of hedge funds are registered in offshore zones, and of the remaining 65% are in the US, 16% in the UK and only 15% in the eurozone countries. Thus, the European supporters of strict regulation of the financial sector, who previously controlled less than 7% of this industry, received the right to "look after" all the rest of its participants.

At the same time, participants from the developing world (China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, etc.) generally failed to implement their proposals. Before the summit, the Russian side published a long list of measures, suggesting the need for "democratic and equal responsibility for decision-making", "fair distribution of risks", "correct" division of IMF quotas and "predictability of the international monetary and financial system functioning according to pre-known rules". The Russian side believed that since "most countries of the world place their international reserves in foreign currencies, they would like to be sure of their reliability", which could be facilitated by "internationally recognized standards in the field of macroeconomic and budgetary policy, compliance with which would be mandatory for countries issuing reserve currencies. China also joined the demand of Russian negotiators to "expand the list of currencies used as reserve ones". But this issue was not developed, since the majority, while being critical of the United States, believed that there was no real alternative to the dollar.

Europeans (primarily France and Germany) managed to secure Financial Stability Board the right to set internationally recognized standards for top management remuneration.

By the way, the remuneration of top managers in Russian large corporations is slightly higher than the European level and is more in line with American, excessively high forms of remuneration. At the same time, the paradox is that almost all large Russian corporations and their management are extremely inefficient and far from meeting the standards of either modern companies or managers. But the gaps between the pay of these managers and workers exceed the European and American levels by 4-5 times.

All countries are now required to provide full information on the state of their banking sector.

The most important decision of the London summit was that the number of offshore companies and freedom of action in them was limited. Most large corporations in Russia operate through offshore companies. Switzerland, too, had to agree to the need for greater transparency in bank deposits clients. The need to establish a uniform accounting system has been recognized, and everything is moving towards the fact that it will be created on the basis of the European IFRS, and not the American GAAP. Finally, rating agencies will have to re-register under strict international control. The Americans agreed with all these provisions, although it should not be assumed that the introduction of these measures will not meet with resistance from large corporations and their supporters in governments and parliaments.

International Maritime Organization (International Maritime Organization - IMO, until 1982 - Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization) is an international intergovernmental organization included by the UN among its specialized agencies. It was established in 1958 in accordance with the decision of the Maritime Conference held under the auspices of the UN in 1948. The organization includes over 140 states (including Russia, as well as an associate member - Xianggang, Hong Kong).

The objectives of the IMO are to support cooperation between states on technical issues of maritime navigation, ensure compliance with maritime safety standards, and work to eliminate discriminatory practices in merchant shipping carried out by a number of countries.

IMO develops draft international maritime conventions and organizes control over their implementation, convenes international conferences on shipping issues. There are committees within the IMO for maritime safety, legal matters, Marine Environment Protection and Technical Cooperation.

The activities of the IMO are mainly of a consultative and deliberative nature.

supreme body IMO - Assembly, convened every two years, between its sessions the work of the organization is directed by Advice composed of 32 members elected by the assembly. Administrative working body of the IMO - secretariat. The headquarters is in London.

International Civil Aviation Organization (International Civil Aviation Organization - ICAO) - an intergovernmental specialized agency of the United Nations, founded in 1944, began functioning in 1947. It deals with issues of cooperation between states and the development of standards in the field of civil aviation, generalizes the experience of member states in the training and advanced training of personnel. The USSR has been a member of ICAO since 1970. The supreme body is the assembly (meets once every three years). Location - Montreal (Canada).

World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU ) - the largest international association of democratic trade unions, established in 1945 at the I World Congress of Trade Unions in Paris. The main tasks of the WFTU in accordance with the charter: the struggle against war and the causes that give rise to it, the protection of the interests of the working people of the whole world, the organization of the common struggle of trade unions of all countries against any infringement on the economic and social rights of workers and their economic freedoms, the organization of educational work among members of trade unions on issues of international unity of workers, etc. The WFTU includes trade unions from more than 100 countries (about 200 million members).

Branch international trade union associations have been created under the WFTU. The International Workers' Solidarity Fund operates to assist workers during strikes, in case natural Disasters, catastrophes, as well as material support for the trade union movement in the liberated countries.

The WFTU enjoys consultative status in the UN, as well as in its specialized agencies - ILO, ECOSOC, UNESCO, FLO, UNIDO, UNCTAD.

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU ) is the second largest international union of trade unions. Founded in 1949 as a result of the split of the World Federation of Trade Unions. Unites trade unions in more than 100 countries. The backbone of the ICFTU is made up of trade union centers from Western Europe and North America.

European Trade Union Confederation, ETUC (ETUC). Represents the interests of trade unions in 36 countries (27 EEC countries, plus Andorra, Iceland, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and Turkey). The main goal is the implementation of the "European social model", i.e. creation of a society where economic progress would be combined with social security, social market economy.

Pan-European Regional Council of Trade Unions (PERC). One of the four regional divisions of the International Trade Union Federation (ITUC), covers 87 national trade unions in 55 European countries.

Inter-Parliamentary Union (MS ) is an international non-governmental organization consisting of groups of members of parliaments (national parliamentary groups) of more than 100 countries. Founded in 1889 in Paris. The USSR became a member of the Union in 1955. The Charter of the IC provides for the promotion of contacts between members of all parliaments that are members of the IC, joint activities to strengthen

and the development of democratic institutions, as well as in the defense of peace and cooperation among peoples. Decisions of the ICJ are considered by the parliaments of the participating countries as recommendations.

International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) an international non-governmental organization uniting national and regional unions and federations of consumer, agricultural, credit and other cooperatives. Founded in 1895, it brings together national organizations from over 60 countries and 7 international cooperative organizations. The main goals of the ICA are to promote the development of the cooperative movement, establish cooperation between the cooperation of various countries, and strengthen global peace and security. At the congresses of the ICA, on the initiative of the delegation of the Central Union of the USSR and progressive cooperative organizations of other countries, a number of decisions were adopted aimed at uniting the actions of the cooperative and trade union movements, intensifying the struggle against transnational corporations, establishing cooperation between European states. It has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and UNESCO. The supreme body of the ICA is the congress. The headquarters is in Geneva (Switzerland).

International Red Cross (ICC ) - an association of national and international organizations whose goal is to help the wounded, prisoners of war and other victims of war, as well as help the sick and victims of natural disasters. The ICRC includes the national societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (in Muslim countries), the Red Lion and the Sun (in Iran), the League of Red Cross Societies (LORC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The national and international organizations that make up the IWC are legally independent of each other. The supreme body of the IWC is the International Conference. Location governing bodies IWC - Geneva (Switzerland).

International Olympic Committee (IOC) - the supreme body of the modern Olympic movement. Created in 1894 at the International Congress in Paris. The tasks of the IOC are the regular holding of the Olympic Games and their continuous improvement, the promotion of the development of amateur sports, and the strengthening of friendship between athletes of all countries. The IOC decides on the recognition of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (the IOC has recognized 160 NOCs and 30 International Federations), determines the program of the Olympic Games and the venue. It also supports the activities of sports federations in non-Olympic sports. The IOC Executive Board consists of a President, elected for an eight-year term, three Vice-Presidents and five members. The headquarters of the IOC is in Lausanne (Switzerland).

  • According to the results of 2007, the heads of the 50 largest corporations in the Eurozone received 14.8 times less salaries and bonuses than their US counterparts, although the profitability of these companies was only 15% lower than American ones. This gap widened even more in the post-crisis period, amounting to 15 times (2011–2012).

Among the international organizations that are not part of the UN system, several large groups of organizations can be distinguished depending on the main areas of their activities. First, these are organizations aimed at removing barriers to the development of trade: the World trade Organization(WTO), the International Chamber of Commerce, etc., and economic organizations: the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Paris Club. Secondly, these are organizations aimed at maintaining peace and controlling various types of weapons (for example, the Partnership for Peace, the organization to prohibit chemical weapons, organization for ensuring peace and security in Europe, etc.). Thirdly, these are organizations of humanitarian cooperation, such as, for example, the Union of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Fourthly, these are organizations aimed at ensuring the development of certain sectors of the world economy (organization of civil aviation). Fifthly, organizations that unite parliamentary and trade union movements (the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the International Confederation of Trade Unions). Sixth, international organizations aimed at assisting the fight against crime and development judicial system(Interpol, Permanent Court of Arbitration). Seventh, organizations aimed at developing cooperation in the field of sports are the International Olympic Committee (IOC). And finally, eighthly, a number of regional international organizations whose member countries pursue common interests in a particular region (Council of Europe, the Association of Southeast Asian countries, the Eurasian Economic Community, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Council of the Baltic States, etc.) .
In addition, we should not forget about international non-governmental organizations, the number of which significantly exceeds the number of international governmental organizations.
The WTO dates back to April 1994, and actually began working in January 1995. The predecessor of the WTO was the so-called General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, created in 1947 to remove barriers to international trade (GATT), a series of agreements between major capitalist and developing countries. The purpose of the WTO is to ensure the possibility of resolving conflicts related to foreign trade that arise between member countries. It is the WTO that negotiates the reduction and elimination of tariffs and other trade barriers. The WTO has 151 member countries and 31 observer countries. The latter category also includes Russia, which is actively negotiating accession to the WTO.
The International Chamber of Commerce was established in 1919. The main purpose of this organization was to provide conditions for free trade and the development of private enterprise and to express the interests of business at the national and international levels. Members of this organization are national chambers of commerce from 91 countries, including the Russian Federation.
International Customs Organization (originally known as the International Customs Union) was established in 1950 to create conditions for cooperation between the customs authorities of the participating countries. Today it has 172 participating countries, including the Russian Federation.
Partnership for Peace - this international organization was formed in 1994 with the aim of expanding and intensifying political and military cooperation between European countries that are not members of the North Atlantic bloc. The organization includes 23 countries. A country automatically withdraws from the membership of this organization if it joins the North Atlantic bloc.
Union of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - an organization founded in 1928 with the aim of providing humanitarian aid countries in need through the International Committee of the Red Cross (during military operations) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (in Peaceful time). The international organization unites national societies created in 185 countries of the world and the Palestine Liberation Organization.
The International Trade Union Confederation was established in November 2006. The predecessors of this international organization were the Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the World Confederation of Workers. The World Confederation of Workers was created in 1920 as international federation Christian trade unions and was renamed in 1968. The purpose of the international organization is to promote the trade union movement in the world. The members of this organization include 305 organizations from 152 countries of the world and the Palestine Liberation Organization.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union was organized in 1989 with the aim of facilitating contacts between parliamentarians, providing an opportunity to discuss important international problems and measures that could be taken by national parliaments to solve them. The Union aims to protect human rights and disseminate information and knowledge about parliamentary institutions. Members of this organization are 146 countries of the world, including the Russian Federation, as well as 7 associate members, such as the Central American Parliament, the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, etc.
Interpol - the international criminal police, was organized in September 1923 as an international commission on criminal police, and in 1956, after the adoption of a new charter, it was renamed and received its modern name. It has 186 participating countries. The main goal of Interpol is to promote international cooperation between police officers different countries in their fight against crime.
The International Olympic Committee was founded in June 1894. The main goal of the International Olympic Committee is to promote the Olympic movement in the world and hold the Olympic Games. Upcoming winter Olympic Games will take place in 2010 in Vancouver (Canada), then the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London (UK) and, finally, the Winter Olympic Games in 2014 in Sochi (Russia) are planned. Today, the International Olympic Committee includes 204 National Olympic Committees from around the world.
The Council of Europe, which includes Russia, was formed on May 5, 1949 and began work in August of the same year. Its main objectives are to protect human rights, support the development of democracy and ensure the rule of law, promote the ideas of the cultural development of Europe and maintain its cultural diversity, search for common solutions to the problems that European countries face - ensuring the rights of minorities, preventing discrimination based on nationality, fight against xenophobia, develop tolerance, fight against terrorism, human trafficking, organized crime and corruption, prevent violence against children, ensure and strengthen stability by supporting political, legislative and other reforms. 47 countries are members of this council, and 5 countries have observer status.
The number of international public sector non-governmental organizations greatly exceeds the number of intergovernmental organizations, and the range of issues addressed by these non-governmental international organizations is extremely wide. However, for the most part, non-governmental international organizations are involved in promoting the solution of social problems and issues of social development. Let's consider only some of them.
The International Council for Social Security was founded in Paris in 1928. This non-governmental organization brings together national and local organizations from more than 70 countries. A number of major international organizations are also members of the Council. The Council carries out work to combat poverty, help the disabled, the unemployed, representatives of indigenous peoples and national minorities, the elderly, migrants, refugees and other socially vulnerable groups. The Council has the status of a UN consultant. Proposals for social policy developed by this international organization are submitted to the UN and to organizations of the UN system such as UNESCO, the UN Economic and Social Council and the Commission for Social Development. The Council conducts discussion and formation of social policy in the participating countries. As an advisory organization, the Council participates in discussions on social development issues, social protection And social justice. Russia is not represented in this organization.
Helpage International - this international non-governmental organization was organized in 1983. More than 70 non-governmental organizations from 50 countries of the world are its members. The main objective of the organization is to work with the elderly population, support the development of national and regional organizations working in this direction, promoting partnerships between non-governmental organizations and government structures on older people. The purpose of the organization is to help the elderly and provide them with the conditions for a full, healthy and respected life. In countries experiencing conflicts and other emergencies, Helppage implements special programs to help the most vulnerable groups of the elderly population.
International Association Social Security was founded in 1927 as a platform for communication between social security institutions from around the world. Today it includes 365 organizations representing 154 countries of the world. Affiliated members from the Russian Federation include the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation and the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation, and the associate members include the non-state pension fund Gazfond. The Association is the world center for summarizing and disseminating the experience of social security, it conducts scientific and educational activities, organizes forums and conferences to discuss the most important issues of social security. The Association has developed an international database on social security, which includes a description of social security systems, a description of private pension systems, reforms carried out in the field of social security, social legislation of different countries, articles and Scientific research on Social Security and a Dictionary of International Social Security Terms.

The UN is the most universal international organization. It includes a number of bodies and international organizations.

Economic issues occupy a prominent place in the activities of the General Assembly - GA (General Assembly - GA) of the UN, the most representative body of this authoritative international organization.

In the Millennium Declaration, adopted in September 2000, the UN member states defined "Millennium Development Goals", the main of which is the need to reduce poverty in all its manifestations. The development goals were developed on the basis of agreements and resolutions of international conferences organized by the UN during the 90s. 20th century

The agenda of the 64th session of the General Assembly (2009) included critical issues for the global economy, including the promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable development. A special topic for discussion was the problem of achieving social and economic progress in African countries.

We think on our own. Why do we consider the international organizations of the UN system as the main, leading in the totality of international economic organizations of our time?

Economic problems are regularly covered in the reports of the UN Secretary General.

The main body of the UN, coordinating all the economic, social and cultural activities of this organization, is Economic and Social Council - ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council - ECOSOC). Its competence also includes humanitarian problems.

The Council consists of 54 members who are elected by the UN General Assembly for a period of three years. One third of the members are re-elected each year. The following representation norms are established in the Council: Asia - 11, Africa - 14, Eastern Europe- 6, Western Europe - 13, Latin America - 10. Council meetings are held alternately in New York and Geneva.

Decisions in ECOSOC are taken by a simple majority vote, each member of the Council has one vote, and no member country has the right to veto.

ECOSOC consists of three sessional committees: First (Economic); Second (Social); Third (on Programs and Cooperation). All members of the Council sit on each of these committees.

The Council has a number of functional commissions and standing committees, as well as expert bodies.

ECOSOC reports to five UN regional commissions: Economic Commission for Europe (Geneva, Switzerland), Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok, Thailand), Economic Commission for Africa (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Basin (Santiago, Chile), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (Lebanon, Beirut).

Regional economic commissions are engaged in studying the economic and social problems of the respective regions and developing recommendations, and also carry out the functions of a research, advisory, information and analytical nature.

In particular, the Economic Commission for Europe - EEC (Economic Commission for Europe - ECE), established by ECOSOC in 1947, sets as its main goal the strengthening of cooperation between European member states. The EEC conducts economic research of an analytical nature on common problems, the state of the environment and living conditions, statistics, sustainable energy supply, trade, industry and business development, on the problems of the forest complex and transport.

We think on our own. Is it possible to believe that the activities of international organizations of the UN system combine the solution of both universal (global) and regional problems? What could be brought here as an argument?

In 1964, the UN General Assembly established United Nations Conference on Trade and Development - UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development - UNCTAD). The headquarters of UNCTAD is located in Geneva. The number of members of the organization exceeds 190. This organization was called upon to consider the whole range of issues related to international trade and development, including the principles of exchange and trade in raw materials and manufactured goods, financing of development projects, issues of external debt, transfer of technology to developing countries. UNCTAD paid considerable attention to the situation of the least developed countries.

UNCTAD interacts both with the governments of member countries and with various UN bodies, non-governmental organizations, representatives of private capital, research institutes and universities in various countries peace. Although its decisions are not binding, they play a large role in shaping world public opinion, which is forced to take into account and government bodies. In general, the activities of UNCTAD contribute to the development of international trade by establishing equal cooperation between states.

UNCTAD has become one of the important international economic forums, whose recommendations and decisions have had a significant impact on world trade. However, the emergence of the WTO required clarification of the scope and directions of UNCTAD's activities. At the ninth session of this organization, held in 1996, it was decided that UNCTAD should be retained as an organ of the UN General Assembly on trade and development. Its mission will remain to highlight the changes taking place in the world economy in relation to trade, investment, technology, services and development. In doing so, it will cooperate and coordinate its activities with the WTO and other multilateral institutions.

At the X session of UNCTAD in 2000 (Bangkok, Thailand), the role of this organization in the process of integrating the economies of developing countries into the world economy and into the world trading system on sound and equal principles was confirmed.

UNCTAD publishes a number of internationally recognized studies, such as the Handbook of Trade and Development Statistics, World Investment Report.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) operates in 166 countries around the world. UNDP was founded in 1965. The headquarters of the organization is in New York.

The main task of this organization is defined as assistance to countries in familiarizing themselves with the knowledge and world experience of development in order to improve their socio-economic situation.

Currently, UNDP is coordinating efforts aimed at implementing the development targets that were set by the UN for the third millennium, in particular, reducing poverty by 2 times by 2015.

UNDP compiles and annually publishes the Human Development Report, which has long become a prominent phenomenon among the publications of international organizations. One of the main indicators of the reports is the Human Development Index - HDI, which summarizes data on three main indicators:

■ life expectancy of a healthy person;

■ level of education;

■ standard of living.

HDI is calculated on the basis of three indices: a) life expectancy index at birth; b) education index; c) index of GDP per capita.

Despite a certain conventionality of the methodology for calculating this Index, it allows one to compare and, to some extent, compare the levels of development of countries not only in terms of gross domestic product, but also in a wider range of socio-economic indicators.

We think on our own. In what topics of the World Economy course have we already addressed issues related to the Human Development Index?

The Economic and Social Council coordinates the activities of 19 UN specialized agencies (Table 23.1)

Table 23.1. United Nations specialized agencies

Title in Russian

Title in English

Year of creation or establishment

Location

World Meteorological Organization. WMO

World Meteorological Organization. WMO

World Health Organization. WHO

World Health Organization. WHO

World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO

World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO

World Tourism Organization. UNWTO

World Tourism Organization

Universal Postal Union, UPU

Universal Postal Union, UPU

World Bank Group

Including:

international bank reconstruction and development, IBRD

World Bank Group

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD

Washington

International Development Association. IDA

International Development Association. IDA

Washington

International Finance Corporation, IFC

International Finance Corporation. IFC

Washington

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. MIGA

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. MIGA

Washington

International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, ICSID

International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes, ICSID

Washington

International Maritime Organization. IMO

International Maritime Organization, IMO

International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO

International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO

Montreal

International Labor Organization, ILO

International Labor Organization. ILO

International Monetary Fund, IMF

International Monetary Fund. IMF

Washington

international union telecommunications. ITU

Telecommunication Union. ITU

International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD

International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD

United Nations Educational Organization. science and culture, UNESCO

United Nations Educational. Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO

United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO

United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO

Let us consider the activities of some specialized UN agencies that play a significant role in international economic relations.

From the presented table, it is obvious that some international organizations appeared much earlier than the UN, and only much later received the status of specialized agencies. These include, in particular, the ILO, which in 1946 became the first specialized agency associated with the UN.

The organization develops international policies and programs in the field of labor relations, adopts international labor standards, promotes their adoption by member countries, assists in the organization of vocational training and education.

The ILO has a unique character: representatives of governments, workers and employers participate on equal terms in the preparation of decisions. Its main body is the International Confederation of Labor, where each country is represented by four delegates (two from the government and one each from workers and entrepreneurs), convenes at least once a year (usually in June in Geneva). Each delegate votes individually. Therefore, the Workers' and Employers' delegates may vote against the position taken by the government delegates.

One of the largest specialized agencies of the United Nations is Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - FAO, designed to solve the problems of increasing the level of food security, improving the living conditions of the rural population, and increasing labor productivity in agriculture. Almost all UN member countries are FAO members. The EU is also a collective member of FAO.

FAO monitors global agriculture, forestry and fisheries. In recent years, the organization has paid increased attention to the problems of ensuring the long-term sustainable development of agriculture, increasing food production and ensuring food security, taking into account the requirements of preserving the environment.

FAO annually publishes statistical yearbooks, including on the state of agricultural production and trade in agricultural products. The most famous is the annual Report on the state of food and agriculture (The State of Food and Agriculture - SOFA). A large amount of information about the state of agriculture in various countries is contained in the database on the organization's website.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization - UNIDO the status of a specialized agency of the UN received in 1985. As the name implies, UNIDO is called upon to assist developing countries and countries with economies in transition in the implementation of industrialization programs and strengthening their industrial potential. Recently, the organization also aims to help strengthen the positions of the above countries in the face of increased competition in the global economy.

UNIDO's main focus is on mobilizing knowledge, skills, information and technology for job creation, a competitive economy and an environmentally sound and sustainable environmental development. All this should contribute to the reduction of poverty in the world.

UNIDO activities are carried out in the form of integrated (complex) programs and individual projects.

The main source of funds for the implementation of UNIDO projects is the United Nations Development Program. However, a certain part of the funds comes in the form of contributions from member countries and sponsorship.

In the field of nuclear energy, the activities of International Atomic Energy Agency - IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), founded in 1957 as an autonomous agency under the auspices of the UN. IAEA headquarters in Vienna. The Agency has become the central intergovernmental body for scientific and technical cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. In recent years, the importance of the IAEA has grown due to the increase in the number of nuclear programs in various countries of the world.

We think on our own. In your opinion, the activities of which of the named international organizations of the UN system are connected with the solution of global problems of our time?

In the global financial and banking sector, a prominent place is occupied by specialized UN agencies - the IMF and organizations that are members of the World Bank Group.

2.1. general economic organizations.

2.1.1. Regional integration groupings (or trade and economic unions):

· Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

· North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA).

· European Union (EU).

· Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

· Arab Free Trade Area (AFTA).

· Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

· South American Common Market (MERCOSUR);

· Free Trade Area of ​​America (FTAA).

2.1.2. Other economic organizations:

· Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

· Organization of the Red Cross and Crescent.

2.2. Industry organizations.

2.2.1. Organizations in the field of trade:

· World Trade Organization (since January 1, 1995). Became the successor to GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade).

· International Trade Center.

· International Chamber of Commerce.

· International Customs Union.

2.2.2. Financial institutions:

· The Paris Club represents the interests of 19 creditor countries.

· The London Club of Creditor Banks unites more than 600 largest commercial banks in the USA, Western Europe and Japan.

· Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

· International Finance Corporation (IFC).

· International Bank for Economic Cooperation (IBEC).

· International Investment Bank (IIB).

· European Financial Society (EFS).

· European Investment Bank (EIB).

· European Economic Monetary Union (EEMU).

2.2.3. Production and trade regulating certain types of goods and raw materials:

· Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

· European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

2.2.4. Production and trade of agricultural raw materials and food:

· International Coffee Organization.

· International Sugar Organization.

· International Organization of Banana Exporting Countries.

2.2.5. Others:

· International Union of Railway Workers.

UN: main organizations and their characteristics.

Classification of international economic organizations in the field of regulation.

a) International economic organizations regulating economic and industrial cooperation and branches of the world economy:

· United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

· United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

· International Energy Agency (IEA);

b) International economic organizations in the system of regulation of world trade:

· World Trade Organization (WTO);

· United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD);

· International organizations of countries-producers and exporters of food and raw materials.

c) Regional economic organizations.

d) International monetary and credit financial institutions:

· International Monetary Fund;

· The World Bank Group;

· European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

e) International organizations regulating entrepreneurial activity:

· United Nations Commission on Transnational Companies.

f) International non-governmental organizations promoting the development of international business:

· International and regional unions of entrepreneurs;

· International Chamber of Commerce;

· Regional chambers of commerce.

The third criterion for the classification of international economic organizations is by the nature of their competence.

a) International organizations with general competence, such as the United Nations.

The competence is not limited to any one area of ​​cooperation, with the exception of specific issues falling within the competence of its specialized institutions.

b) International organizations with special competence:

Ø UN Specialized Agencies:

· World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

· World Health Organization (WHO).

· World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

· Universal Postal Union (UPU).

· International Development Association (IDA).

· International Labor Organization (ILO).

· International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

There are 15 UN specialized agencies in total.