The UN System

When people speak about the UN, they often mean the organisation’s headquarters in New York or its six principal organs. In reality, the UN is much broader. The UN system includes dozens of programmes, funds, specialised agencies, commissions and other organisations operating in almost every country in the world. These organisations carry out much of the UN’s practical work. They provide humanitarian assistance, support development cooperation, improve health and education, protect human rights, assist refugees, and advance science, culture and environmental protection. Although they share the common goal of upholding the principles set out in the UN Charter, they differ in their structure, funding and governance.

UN funds and programmes are established to address specific global challenges and implement practical projects in Member States. They are mainly financed through voluntary contributions from Member States, international organisations, companies and individuals. One of the best-known organisations is UNICEF, which protects children’s rights and supports their health, education and well-being in more than 190 countries and territories. UNICEF works both in humanitarian emergencies and through long-term development programmes. UNDP, the United Nations Development Programme, helps countries reduce poverty, strengthen governance, advance sustainable development and address the effects of climate change. It is one of the UN’s largest development organisations. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects refugees, asylum-seekers and other forcibly displaced people. It provides emergency assistance, helps ensure protection and supports safe return or resettlement. The UN system also includes UN Women, which promotes gender equality and women’s rights, and UNFPA, which focuses on sexual and reproductive health and population issues.

Specialised agencies are independent international organisations associated with the UN. They have their own constitutions, member states, governing bodies and budgets. They work closely with the UN but are not directly subordinate to its principal organs. One of the best-known specialised agencies is the World Health Organization (WHO), which coordinates international health cooperation, supports disease prevention and helps countries prepare for health emergencies. WHO’s work received particular attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. UNESCO promotes international cooperation in education, science and culture. It also administers the World Heritage List and supports the protection of cultural and natural heritage worldwide. The International Labour Organization (ILO) promotes labour rights, decent working conditions and social justice. The ILO is distinctive because representatives of employers and workers participate in its decision-making alongside governments. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) helps improve food security, develop sustainable agriculture and reduce hunger. The UN system also includes organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The UN system plays a central role in responding to humanitarian crises. During armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies, different UN organisations work closely together. The World Food Programme (WFP) supplies food assistance to crisis-affected areas, UNHCR supports refugees, UNICEF provides protection and education for children, and WHO helps restore health services and prevent disease outbreaks. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinates the work of different organisations and helps ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.

The UN system is financed from several sources. The organisation’s core activities are supported by mandatory contributions from Member States, with the amount determined by each country’s economic capacity. Many funds, programmes and specialised agencies, however, depend on voluntary contributions. Funders may include Member States, the European Union, international organisations, foundations, companies and individuals. Because a large share of funding is voluntary, the scale of different organisations’ activities may vary significantly from year to year.

Estonia cooperates with many organisations within the UN system. Estonian experts participate in the work of various agencies, Estonia funds selected programmes, and Estonian researchers, companies and civil society organisations contribute to numerous international projects. Particularly close cooperation takes place with WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP and UN Women. Estonia also actively contributes to implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and supports humanitarian assistance and development cooperation projects in different regions of the world.

Although the UN’s principal organs shape international policy and adopt decisions, much of the organisation’s day-to-day work takes place through its funds, programmes and specialised agencies. Their activities affect the lives of millions of people every day—from vaccination programmes and school education to refugee protection, preserving cultural heritage and adapting to climate change. Together, these organisations form the world’s most extensive network for international cooperation, dedicated to supporting peace, human rights and sustainable development.