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The UN Charter recognized the essential link between peace, stability and economic development, and provided for the establishment of specialized agencies to promote international economic and social cooperation. The agencies have wide responsibilities, as defined in their basic instruments, in economic, social, cultural, educational, health, and related fields. The agencies were created by specific intergovernmental agreements and have their own constitutions, governing bodies and membership that are distinct from the UN. However, they have a special relationship with the UN under agreements reached with ECOSOC, which is authorized to coordinate their activities through consultation and recommendations, and to request reports on the implementation of recommendations made by it or by the General Assembly. The agencies are therefore deeply involved in the follow-up to the global conferences organized by the UN during the past decade, including the World Assembly on Ageing, and are expected to take action to implement their respective responsibilities under these mandates. The following agencies have adopted programs to ensure the integration of the needs of older persons in their work.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is the oldest international agency. Created at the same time as the League of Nations in 1919, it became the first specialized agency of the UN in 1946. Its main objective is to promote social justice and international human and labour rights through the generation of minimum standards with regard to freedom of association, the right to organize, collective bargaining, abolition of forced labour, equality of opportunity and treatment, and other basic issues. Implementation of standards is reviewed periodically by a Committee of Experts composed of independent jurists. The ILO also provides technical assistance to governments to meet their obligations and fosters the establishment of independent workers' and employers' organizations. Its Secretariat, the International Labour Office, is based in Geneva and supports the work of the International Labour Conference - the main deliberative organ - and its executive council. ILO’s governing structure is unique in that it brings together government representatives, employers, and workers on an equal footing. The World Health Organization (WHO) is based in Geneva and was established in 1948. According to WHO’s constitution, their main objective is to attain the highest possible level of health, defined as a "state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." WHO assists governments by strengthening national health services and providing technical assistance. WHO also works towards maintaining statistical services and improving nutrition, housing and sanitation. The executive board is composed of health experts who annually report to the World Health Assembly, WHO's decision-making body. WHO contributed to the World Assembly on Aging in 2002 and remains actively involved in MIPPA implementation and follow-up, particularly by assisting poor countries to shape and adopt aging policies.
International
Plan of Action on Ageing: Report on Implementation (November 2004) WHO
- Aging
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