United Nations Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary aim of establishing the United Nations?

  • Facilitate cultural exchanges
  • Promote economic development
  • Establish a global trade network
  • Prevent future wars (correct)
  • Which of the following statements about the General Assembly is true?

  • Each nation has one vote regardless of its size (correct)
  • Only five member nations have voting power
  • Meetings are held only once every five years
  • Decisions made are legally binding for nations
  • How many permanent members are there in the UN Security Council?

  • 5 (correct)
  • 15
  • 10
  • 7
  • What type of work does the UN primarily focus on?

    <p>Maintaining peace and security (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which body of the UN is responsible for international peace and security?

    <p>Security Council (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many specialist agencies does the United Nations have?

    <p>Numerous (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which language is NOT one of the six official languages of the UN?

    <p>Italian (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of the Security Council in terms of its members?

    <p>5 permanent and 10 elected members (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main functions of the Bank of International Settlements (BIS)?

    <p>Functions as a banker for central banks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which major event replaced the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade (GATT)?

    <p>World Trade Organization (WTO) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant impact did the Uruguay Round have on trade agreements?

    <p>It applied GATT rules to services and intellectual property. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How frequently do central bankers of major industrial countries meet at the BIS?

    <p>Ten times a year (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major issue during negotiations in the first seven rounds of GATT?

    <p>Reduction of tariffs among industrial countries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of the Bretton Woods Agreement established in 1944?

    <p>To promote international monetary cooperation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following organizations was founded as a part of the Bretton Woods Agreement?

    <p>International Monetary Fund (IMF) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the fate of the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1971?

    <p>It was dissolved due to evolving economic conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the pegged value of the U.S. dollar to gold under the Bretton Woods Agreement?

    <p>$35 per ounce (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is associated with clean water and sanitation?

    <p>SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What partnership does Unilever have to advance gender equality?

    <p>UN Women (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the initial purpose of the World Bank when it was founded in 1944?

    <p>To help rebuild countries after World War II. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following regions is Unilever aiming to help through its TRANSFORM initiative?

    <p>Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of the World Bank Group?

    <p>Eradicating poverty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which World Bank Group institution is known for soft loans?

    <p>International Development Association (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of loans is the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development primarily associated with?

    <p>Hard loans at market interest rates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which agency was created to encourage foreign investment and provide guarantees against non-commercial risks?

    <p>Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of IDA soft loans?

    <p>Maturities of up to 40 years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant characteristic of the International Finance Corporation's role?

    <p>It exclusively addresses private risk ventures in developing countries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency assist foreign investors?

    <p>By insuring eligible projects against certain risks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are hard loans described as?

    <p>Loans provided only to sound borrowers at market interest rates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major consequence of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis for many countries?

    <p>Economic recessions in numerous national economies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the financial crisis impact investor behavior?

    <p>There was a flight of capital from uncertain investments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measures were taken by national governments in response to the financial crisis?

    <p>Injections of capital into national economies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant criticism of IMF conditionality?

    <p>It often requires countries to enact unpopular economic reforms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential negative effect of increased IMF involvement in global financial systems?

    <p>People may behave recklessly due to safety nets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which country was mentioned as receiving a bailout from the IMF in August 2022?

    <p>Pakistan (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is cited as contributing to defaults during the pandemic?

    <p>High inflation rates and economic challenges (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the IMF's structural adjustments typically characterized by?

    <p>Privatization and deregulation measures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key roles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)?

    <p>Administering WTO trade agreements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As of July 2016, what percentage of world trade is represented by WTO members?

    <p>Over 90% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which major achievement of the WTO in 1997 involved telecommunications?

    <p>Opening markets to fair competition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant goal of the Doha Development Agenda?

    <p>To reduce agricultural subsidies in developed countries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is true?

    <p>Its members are mostly developed countries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the headquarters of the OECD located?

    <p>Paris (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the financial services market was opened by 102 countries in the 1997 WTO agreement?

    <p>95% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why has achieving an agreement on the Doha Development Agenda been challenging?

    <p>Incompatible trade policies of member countries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What is the United Nations?

    The United Nations (UN) is a global organization established in 1945, following World War II, with 193 member states as of 2002.

    What is the primary goal of the UN?

    The primary goal of the UN is to prevent future wars and promote international peace and security.

    How does the UN operate?

    The UN operates through five main bodies: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.

    What is the General Assembly?

    The General Assembly is a forum for all UN member-nations to discuss international issues, including peace and security.

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    How is voting done in the General Assembly?

    Each nation in the General Assembly has one vote, regardless of its size, wealth, or power.

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    What is the Security Council?

    The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, with 15 members, including 5 permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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    What are the roles of the Security Council members?

    The Security Council has 10 elected members serving two-year terms, and its decisions are legally binding for all UN members.

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    Besides peace, what else does the UN work on?

    The UN's work includes promoting sustainable development, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, and upholding international law.

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    What is the World Bank Group and what is its focus?

    The World Bank Group is a collection of five development institutions focused on aiding developing countries. It was originally focused on "reconstruction" after WWII but shifted towards development with a strong emphasis on infrastructure.

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    What is the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and what does it do?

    The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a part of the World Bank Group that invests in developing countries, specifically in private companies and financial institutions.

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    What is the International Development Association (IDA) and who does it help?

    The International Development Association (IDA) is a part of the World Bank Group that provides low-interest loans with long repayment terms, dedicated to helping the world's poorest countries.

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    Describe a "hard loan" from the World Bank.

    Hard loans are given by the World Bank at market interest rates with typical repayment terms, and are only provided to countries deemed financially sound.

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    Describe a "soft loan" from the World Bank.

    Soft loans are offered by the International Development Association (IDA) with highly favorable terms, including long repayment periods (up to 40 years) and lower interest rates.

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    What is the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and what does it do?

    The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) encourages foreign investment in developing countries by offering guarantees against risks like currency exchange issues, expropriation, and political unrest.

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    What is the World Bank's primary role?

    The World Bank is the largest source of development assistance, providing both hard and soft loans to developing countries.

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    What is the World Bank Group's overarching goal?

    The World Bank Group's primary goal is the eradication of poverty.

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    Bretton Woods Agreement

    An agreement signed in 1944 by 44 countries, aiming to stabilize the global economy after World War II. Key features include a fixed exchange rate system pegged to the US dollar and gold, fostering international monetary cooperation and minimizing currency risk.

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    Fixed Exchange Rate System

    A system where currencies are fixed to a specific value, often against gold or another currency. For example, the Bretton Woods system pegged the US dollar to gold.

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    Exchange Rate

    The process of converting one currency into another at a specific rate, reflecting their relative values. These rates can fluctuate based on market forces.

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    International Monetary Fund (IMF)

    An international organization established after World War II, primarily focusing on financial stability and providing loans to developing nations.

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    World Bank

    A global financial institution founded after World War II with a focus on poverty reduction. They primarily provide loans and technical assistance to less developed countries.

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    Post-war (or Post-WWII) Era

    The period after World War II, marked by widespread economic recovery and growth. It also saw the establishment of international organizations like the IMF and World Bank.

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    Breakdown of Bretton Woods System

    The dismantling of the Bretton Woods system in 1971. This occurred due to evolving global economics where fixed exchange rates became unsustainable for many nations.

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    International Monetary Cooperation

    A concept where countries cooperate on managing international financial affairs to prevent instability and minimize currency risk.

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    2008 Global Financial Crisis

    A financial crisis that originated in the United States in 2008, characterized by a decline in housing prices, widespread defaults on mortgages, and a global contraction of credit and trade.

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    Securitization of Mortgages

    A practice where risky mortgages were bundled together and sold as investment assets, contributing to the 2008 financial crisis.

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    Capital Flight

    The sudden withdrawal of investments from a country or market, often triggered by economic instability or fear.

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    Corrective Measures during the 2008 Crisis

    Measures taken by governments, the IMF, and World Bank to address the 2008 financial crisis, including injecting money into economies and providing financial assistance to countries.

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    IMF Conditionality

    Conditions imposed by the IMF on countries receiving loans, often requiring economic reforms and austerity measures.

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    Moral Hazard

    The theory that individuals behave recklessly when they know they will be bailed out in case of failure, potentially encouraging risky behavior.

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    IMF Power

    The argument that the IMF has become too powerful in dictating economic policies to countries seeking its loans.

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    High National Debt to GDP Ratio

    A situation where a country's debt level is high relative to its gross domestic product (GDP), often associated with economic instability.

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    What is the BIS?

    The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is a financial institution established in 1930. It serves as a central hub for international monetary cooperation and financial stability. The BIS facilitates discussions among major central banks, provides research and analysis on global financial markets, and acts as a banker for central banks.

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    Why is the BIS important for international monetary cooperation?

    The BIS plays a pivotal role in fostering cooperation among central banks, acting as a forum for them to discuss global economic and financial issues. The BIS also facilitates research and analysis on global financial markets to provide valuable insights and support informed decision making.

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    What was the purpose of GATT?

    The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established in 1947 to regulate international trade and reduce trade barriers. It has been replaced by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

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    What does the WTO aim to achieve?

    The WTO is a global organization that oversees trade rules, aiming to ensure a level playing field for countries engaged in international trade. It works to reduce trade barriers and resolve trade disputes between nations.

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    What was a key outcome of the Uruguay Round?

    The Uruguay Round of trade negotiations, concluded in 1994, was a major landmark in global trade. It led to the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and expanded the scope of trade rules to include new areas such as agriculture, services, and intellectual property.

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    What is the WTO?

    The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade and encourages the reduction of trade barriers. It works to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

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    How many countries are in the WTO?

    The WTO has over 164 member countries, representing over 90% of global trade. This means its decisions and agreements have a significant impact on international trade.

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    What are the WTO's main functions?

    The WTO is responsible for administering existing trade agreements, acting as a forum for trade negotiations, handling trade disputes, monitoring national trade policies, providing technical assistance, and training developing countries.

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    What is the Doha Development Agenda?

    The Doha Development Agenda, started in 2001, aimed to reduce agricultural subsidies in developed countries, slash tariffs for developing countries, free up trade in services, and strengthen intellectual property protection.

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    What is the OECD?

    The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental organization of 38 member countries, primarily composed of developed economies. It aims to promote economic growth and well-being, particularly through international cooperation.

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    What is the origin and location of the OECD?

    The OECD's origins can be traced back to the Marshall Plan, a post-World War II initiative to aid European recovery. The organization's headquarters are located in Paris, France.

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    What are the OECD's activities?

    The OECD conducts research and provides information on economic and social activities within its member countries. It also serves as a platform where member-governments can discuss economic and social policies.

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    Study Notes

    International Organisations

    • The presentation covers various international organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisation, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

    Learning Objectives

    • Students will learn the role and influence of international organizations.
    • Understand the key activities of the United Nations.
    • Explain the three major parts of the World Bank, including the International Monetary Fund.
    • Understand the World Trade Organization.
    • Learn about the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

    United Nations

    • The UN is a globally recognized organization.
    • The UN Charter was signed in San Francisco, California in 1945.
    • Ireland joined the UN in 1955.
    • As of 2002, the UN had 193 member states.
    • The UN's aim is to prevent future wars and provide a platform for nations to discuss and solve common problems.
    • The UN maintains peace and security, upholding human rights and promoting sustainable development.
    • The UN has six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
    • The UN's total income is 62 billion.
    • UN work is carried out through five main bodies: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, and Secretariat.
    • There are specialist UN agencies including the World Health Organization, World Food Programme, UNESCO, and UNICEF.

    General Assembly

    • Provides a forum for multilateral discussion on international issues, including peace and security.
    • All member nations in the UN are part of the General Assembly.
    • Each nation has one vote, regardless of size, wealth, or power.
    • General Assembly decisions are not legally binding.
    • There's an annual meeting held in New York (as of last September 2024).

    UN Security Council

    • Maintains international peace and security.
    • 97,000 uniformed personnel contributed by national armies (from 120 countries).
    • Composed of 15 members: 5 permanent and 10 elected for 2-year terms.
    • Permanent members: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States.
    • Presidency is held by each member in alphabetical order for one month.
    • Ireland has been a member three times.
    • Each permanent member has veto power over any measure.

    UN Security Council: Permanent and Non-Permanent Members

    • List of permanent and non-permanent members, along with their terms of office.
    • Security Council president is Brazil, for October 2023 and Switzerland for October 2024

    UN Security Council: Presidency

    • Presidency is held by each member in alphabetical order for one month.
    • Ireland has been a member three times (past presidencies in 1962, 1981-82, and 2001-2002).
    • The presidency was last held by Ireland in September 2021.

    UN Security Council: Veto Power

    • Each permanent member has the power to veto any measure.
    • This power can impact the effectiveness of the Security Council.

    UN Security Council Reform

    • US president voices support for expanding the Security Council.

    The Secretariat

    • Carries out day-to-day administrative functions for the UN headquartered in New York City.
    • Supports other UN organs, administering UN programs and policies.
    • Current/New Secretary General is Antonio Guterres (from Portugal), since October 2016, and started his 2nd term in January 2022, lasting until December 2026.

    The International Court of Justice

    • Also known as the "World Court".
    • Only nations can be parties in legal proceedings.
    • Made up of 15 judges coming from 15 different countries.
    • Judges serve nine-year terms.
    • The only principal body of the UN not located in New York; it is situated in The Hague.

    The Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC)

    • Involved in economic issues like trade, transport, industrialization, and development, as well as social issues.
    • Responsible for 70% of UN system human and financial resources, including 14 specialized agencies, 9 functional commissions, and 5 regional commissions.
    • Makes recommendations to improve educational and healthcare conditions.
    • Promotes human rights and freedoms.

    United Nations Role in Global Climate Action

    • The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aims to prevent "dangerous" human interference with the climate system.

    Kyoto Protocol

    • Adopted in 1997 and came into effect in 2005.
    • Aimed at limiting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Set individual targets for industrialized countries and economies in transition.
    • Designed to avoid the rising costs of carbon dioxide emissions.
    • The USA withdrew from the protocol in 2001.

    Paris Climate Agreement (2015)

    • A legally binding international treaty on climate change.
    • Adopted by 196 parties in December 2015 in Paris, and came into force in November 2016.
    • Has a 5-year cycle of increasingly ambitious climate action, carried out by countries.

    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    • A set of global development targets agreed by the UN in 2015 to achieve a more sustainable future for all by 2030.
    • The 17 goals are interconnected, addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges.
    • SDGs 1 & 5 represent dignity, SDGs 2, 3 & 4 represent people, SDGs 6 and 12–15 represent planet, SDGs 7–11 represent prosperity, SDG 16 represents justice, and SDG 17 represents partnership with other business.

    MNE's Commitment to SDGs: Coca-Cola & Unilever

    • Coca-Cola and Unilever prioritize SDGs related to gender equity, clean water, sanitation, economic growth, consumption, life below water, and partnerships for the goals.

    World Bank

    • Founded in 1944 as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
    • Originally focused on rebuilding war-torn countries, it now primarily focuses on development, emphasizing infrastructure projects.
    • Offers hard and soft loans, with hard loans tied to market interest rates and maturity periods only to sound borrowers.
    • The World Bank (IBRD) is the largest provider of development assistance globally.

    International Finance Corporation (IFC)

    • A World Bank Group investment bank, focused exclusively on private sector risk ventures in developing countries.
    • Aims to encourage economic development by fostering the growth of productive enterprises.

    International Development Association (IDA)

    • The soft loan section of the World Bank.
    • Provides loans with flexible 40-year maturity periods to the poorest countries.

    The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

    • Created in 1988 to encourage foreign investment.
    • Provides capacity-building, advisory services, and guarantees to foreign investors against losses from non-commercial risks in developing countries.

    The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)

    • A multilateral treaty, formulated by the World Bank’s Executive Directors.
    • Provides a forum for conciliation and arbitration of international investment disputes.

    International Monetary Fund (IMF)

    • A multilateral organization promoting international monetary cooperation.
    • Provides temporary financial assistance to countries facing balance-of-payments problems.
    • Has three primary activities: monitoring the global economy, delivering technical assistance and financial support to developing countries.

    IMF's Role in the 2008 Global Financial Crisis

    • The 2008 crisis saw governments, the IMF, and World Bank injecting large sums into national economies as a corrective measure for the crisis, and some countries imposed trade and investment barriers.

    The IMF's Conditionality

    • IMF lending is often conditional, imposing requirements for countries seeking assistance— such as belt-tightening and reforms.
    • Disagreements and debates have arisen over the pros and cons of IMF conditionality.

    IMF Lending (2000-2022)

    • There have been notable increases in IMF lending in recent years to developing countries as a response to global financial crises.
    • Examples include Zambia, Sri Lanka, and Lebanon, which defaulted in the pandemic.

    Evaluating the IMF's Policy

    • Conditions of IMF loans often include "one size fits all" approaches, demanding reforms in countries whether necessary or not.
    • Moral hazard cases are common when the IMF ensures that countries are saved if things go wrong despite reckless behaviors, leading to questions around the IMF's power and influence.

    Bank of International Settlements (BIS)

    • Founded in 1930, the BIS is a discreet institution overseeing global financial system discussions among central banks of major countries.
    • Provides a platform for central banks to collaborate on measures to promote monetary and financial stability, conduct research and provides services related to international finance, such as acting as banker for central banks.

    World Trade Organization (WTO)

    • A global organization that deals with the rules of trade between nations. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Its goal is to steer trade in a smoother, freer direction by lowering trade impediments and outlining trade regulations globally.

    General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and Uruguay Round

    • GATT was replaced by the WTO and its core agenda was the reduction of tariffs among industrial countries.
    • Uruguay round was the most encompassing trade agreement that shaped the WTO.

    Doha Round

    • A round of WTO negotiations initiated in Doha from 2001, aimed to simplify agricultural subsidies globally, reduce tariffs on specific goods and free up trade in services.

    OECD

    • The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development was created based on the Marshall Plan during WW2. It comprises the world’s developed countries and provides information on economic activities and a setting for discussions on economic and social policy.
    • The OECD conducts research, provides information, and aids international cooperation among its member countries, including Ireland, with regard to economic and social policy.

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    Test your knowledge about the United Nations and its various bodies, including the General Assembly and Security Council. This quiz covers key facts, functions, and historical agreements related to international cooperation. Challenge yourself and learn more about global governance!

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