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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. International Labour Organization | The Food and Agriculture Organization | World Health Organization
The International Labour Organisation 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 Food and Agricultural Organization The Food and Agriculture Organization, headquartered in Italy, is mandated to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the condition of rural populations. Rural ageing is one of its priorities. FAO has undertaken a series of studies on rural ageing and its effects. The articles can be found on the internet.
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 (April 2005) WHO
- Aging
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