ADB,EU, ASEAN, SAARC, AU, NATO, NAM, OPEC, G-8, IAEA, etc.

Regional Organizations

 

  • Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

 

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability. The member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. The ASEAN Community is comprised of three pillars, the Political-Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community. Every year following the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, ASEAN holds its Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) to which the Secretary of State is invited. In 1994, ASEAN took the lead in establishing the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which now has 27 members.

Main objectives

To promote the economic, social and Cultural Development of the region through cooperative programmers

To safeguard the political and economic stability of the region against big power rivalry; and

 

To serve as a forum for the resolution of intra-regional differences.

 

·        Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC)

 

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was established in 1989 as an informal Ministerial-level dialogue group with twelve members. Today APEC has 21 member economies spread out over four continents. APEC Member Economies work together to sustain economic Growth through a commitment to open trade, Investment and economic reform. This is accomplished by progressively reducing tariffs and other barriers to trade. The participating APEC economies are: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong-China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam. India is not member of Apec.

  • South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC)

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of nations in South Asia. Its member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAARC comprises 3% of the world’s area, 21% of the world’s Population and 3.8% (US$ 2.9 trillion) of the global economy, as of 2015.

SAARC was founded in Dhaka on 8th December, 1985. Its secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The organization promotes development of economic and regional integration. It launched the South Asian Free Trade Area in 2006. SAARC maintains permanent diplomatic relations at the United Nations as an observer and has developed links with multilateral entities, including the European Union.

 

  • European Union(EU

 

The European Union (EU) is a political and Economic Union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe. It has an area of 4,475,757 km2 (1,728,099 sq mi), and an estimated population of over 510 million. The EU has developed an internal single market through a standardised system of laws that apply in all member states. EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, Services, and capital within the internal market, enact legislation in Justice and home affairs, and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries, and regional development. Within the Schengen Area, passport controls have been abolished. A monetary union was established in 1999 and came into full force in 2002, and is composed of 19 EU member states which use the euro currency.

 

  • Commonwealth of Nations

 

The Commonwealth of Nations (formerly the British Commonwealth), also known as simply the Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of 52 member states that are mostly former territories of the British Empire. The Commonwealth operates by intergovernmental consensus of the member states, organised through the Commonwealth Secretariat and non-governmental organisations, organised through the Commonwealth Foundation.

Member states have no legal obligation to one another. Instead, they are united by language, history, culture and their shared values of Democracy, free speech, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

The Commonwealth covers more than 29,958,050 km2 (11,566,870 sq mi), 20% of the world’s land area, and spans all six inhabited continents; if all Commonwealth member states were to be united as a single land mass, the Commonwealth would be the largest country in the world by land area.

 

  • Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO)

 

SCO was formulated in 1996 with five countries- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, China, Tajikistan. Uzbekistan joined in the group in 2001. The primary motive behind the formation was to ensure stability along the borders. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organisation, the creation of which was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan joined SCO as full members on 9 June 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

 

  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)

 

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 35 member countries, founded in 1960 to stimulate economic progress and world trade.

It is a forum of countries describing themselves as committed to democracy and the market economy, providing a platform to compare policy experiences, seeking answers to common problems, identify good practices and coordinate domestic and international policies of its members. Most OECD members are high-income economies with a very high Human Development index (HDI) and are regarded as developed countries. OECD is an official United Nations Observer. The OECD’s headquarters are in Paris, France.

 

 

  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO)

 

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between several North American and European states based on the North Atlantic Treaty that was signed on 4 April 1949.

NATO constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. Three NATO members (the United States, France and the United Kingdom) are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with the power to veto and are officially nuclear-weapon states. NATO Headquarters are located in Haren, Brussels, Belgium, while the headquarters of Allied Command Operations is near Mons, Belgium.

NATO is an alliance that consists of 29 independent member countries across North America and Europe. An additional 21 countries participate in NATO’s PARTNERSHIP for Peace program, with 15 other countries involved in institutionalized dialogue programs. The combined military spending of all NATO members constitutes over 70% of the global total Members’ defence spending is supposed to amount to at least 2% of GDP

 

  • Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC) 

 

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in several other languages is an intergovernmental organization of 14 nations as of May 2017, founded in 1960 in Baghdad by the first five members (Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela), and headquartered since 1965 in Vienna. As of 2016, the 14 countries accounted for an estimated 44 percent of global oil production and 73 percent of the world’s “proven” oil reserves, giving OPEC a major influence on global oil prices that were previously determined by American-dominated multinational oil companies.

OPEC’s members are Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (the de facto leader), United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela, while Indonesia is a former member. Two-thirds of OPEC’s oil production and reserves are in its six Middle Eastern countries that surround the oil-rich Persian Gulf.

 

  • Mercosur

 

Mercosur, is a sub-regional bloc. Its full members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Venezuela is a full member but has been suspended since December 1, 2016.

Its associate countries are Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname. Observer countries are New Zealand and Mexico.

Its purpose is to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people, and currency. The official languages are Spanish, Portuguese and Guarani.

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The world is a complex place, and it can be difficult to keep track of all the different organizations and institutions that are involved in shaping it. This ARTICLE will provide a brief overview of some of the most important international organizations, including their history, purpose, and membership.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank that was founded in 1966. It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and its membership consists of 68 countries, including 48 from Asia. The ADB’s mission is to promote economic growth and development in Asia and the Pacific. It does this by providing loans, grants, and technical assistance to its member countries.

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The EU was founded in 1957 with the signing of the Treaty of Rome. Its membership has since grown to include countries from all over Europe. The EU’s mission is to promote peace, democracy, and prosperity in Europe. It does this by working to harmonize economic policies, create a single market, and promote cooperation in areas such as justice and home affairs.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1967. It is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, and its membership consists of 10 countries from Southeast Asia. ASEAN’s mission is to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in Southeast Asia. It does this by working to promote trade and investment, improve transportation and Communication links, and coordinate economic policies.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1985. It is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, and its membership consists of 8 countries from South Asia. SAARC’s mission is to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in South Asia. It does this by working to promote trade and investment, improve transportation and communication links, and coordinate economic policies.

The African Union (AU) is a continental union of 55 African countries that was founded in 2002. It is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and its mission is to promote unity and solidarity among African countries, to defend the Sovereignty, territorial Integrity, and independence of its member states, and to promote economic and social development in Africa.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance that was founded in 1949. It is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, and its membership consists of 30 countries from Europe, North America, and Turkey. NATO’s mission is to safeguard the freedom and security of its member states through political and military means.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a group of 120 countries that were founded in 1961. It is headquartered in New York City, United States, and its mission is to promote peace, cooperation, and development among its member states. NAM does this by working to promote dialogue and understanding between countries with different political and Economic Systems, and by advocating for the interests of developing countries in international forums.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a cartel of 13 oil-producing countries that was founded in 1960. It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and its mission is to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers.

The Group of Eight (G8) is an informal group of eight major industrialized countries that was founded in 1975. It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and its membership consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The G8’s mission is to promote international economic cooperation and development.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1957. It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and its mission is to promote the peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy and to ensure that nuclear energy is not used for military purposes.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1995. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and its mission is to promote trade and Economic Development through the negotiation and enforcement of international trade agreements.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1944. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, and its mission is to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange arrangements.

The World Bank is a group of five international organizations that make leveraged loans to developing countries. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, and its mission is to fight POVERTY and improve living standards for

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about international organizations:

  • What is an international organization?
    An international organization is a group of countries that have come together to cooperate on a particular issue or set of issues.

  • What are some examples of international organizations?
    Some examples of international organizations include the United Nations, the European Union, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

  • What are the benefits of joining an international organization?
    There are many benefits to joining an international organization. For example, international organizations can provide countries with a forum to discuss common problems, coordinate their efforts, and share Resources. They can also help to promote peace and security, and to protect human rights.

  • What are the drawbacks of joining an international organization?
    There are some potential drawbacks to joining an international organization. For example, countries may have to give up some of their sovereignty in order to comply with the rules and regulations of the organization. Additionally, international organizations can be slow and bureaucratic, and they may not always be effective in achieving their goals.

  • What are the different types of international organizations?
    There are many different types of international organizations, but they can generally be divided into two categories: intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). IGOs are organizations that are made up of governments, while NGOs are organizations that are made up of individuals or private groups.

  • What are the different levels of international organizations?
    International organizations can also be divided into different levels, depending on their size and scope. The largest international organizations are the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. These organizations have a global membership and they deal with a wide range of issues. Smaller international organizations may focus on a particular region or issue.

  • What are the different functions of international organizations?
    International organizations can perform a variety of functions. Some of the most common functions include:

  • Providing a forum for countries to discuss common problems

  • Coordinating the efforts of countries
  • Sharing resources
  • Promoting peace and security
  • Protecting human rights

  • What are the different challenges facing international organizations?
    International organizations face a number of challenges, including:

  • The Rise of Nationalism and populism

  • The increasing complexity of global issues
  • The lack of resources
  • The lack of coordination between different organizations

  • What is the future of international organizations?
    The future of international organizations is uncertain. Some experts believe that they will become more important in the years to come, as countries face increasingly complex global challenges. Others believe that they will become less important, as countries become more inward-looking.

  1. Which of the following is a regional economic bloc?
    (A) The United Nations
    (B) The European Union
    (C) The African Union
    (D) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations

  2. Which of the following is a military alliance?
    (A) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization
    (B) The Non-Aligned Movement
    (C) The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
    (D) The Group of Eight

  3. Which of the following is an international organization that promotes nuclear non-proliferation?
    (A) The International Atomic Energy Agency
    (B) The World Trade Organization
    (C) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
    (D) The World Health Organization

  4. Which of the following is a regional organization that promotes economic cooperation and development in Asia?
    (A) The Asian Development Bank
    (B) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations
    (C) The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
    (D) The Gulf Cooperation Council

  5. Which of the following is a regional organization that promotes economic cooperation and development in Africa?
    (A) The African Union
    (B) The Economic Community of West African States
    (C) The Southern African Development Community
    (D) The East African Community

  6. Which of the following is a regional organization that promotes economic cooperation and development in Latin America?
    (A) The Organization of American States
    (B) The Caribbean Community
    (C) The Andean Community
    (D) The Mercosur

  7. Which of the following is a regional organization that promotes economic cooperation and development in the Middle East?
    (A) The Gulf Cooperation Council
    (B) The Arab League
    (C) The Organization of Islamic Cooperation
    (D) The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf

  8. Which of the following is a regional organization that promotes economic cooperation and development in the Pacific?
    (A) The Pacific Islands Forum
    (B) The Melanesian Spearhead Group
    (C) The Polynesian Leaders Group
    (D) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations

  9. Which of the following is a regional organization that promotes economic cooperation and development in Europe?
    (A) The European Union
    (B) The Council of Europe
    (C) The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
    (D) The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

  10. Which of the following is a regional organization that promotes economic cooperation and development in the Arctic?
    (A) The Arctic Council
    (B) The Barents Euro-Arctic Council
    (C) The Nordic Council
    (D) The Council of the Baltic Sea States

Index