1. United Nations (UN)
Established: 24 October 1945
Headquarters: New York City, USA
Members: 193
Main Objectives
- Maintain international peace and security
- Promote human rights
- Encourage international cooperation
- Support sustainable development
Principal Organs
- General Assembly
- Security Council
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- International Court of Justice
- Secretariat
- Trusteeship Council
Important MCQ
Q: How many permanent members are in the UN Security Council?
Ans: 5 (USA, UK, France, China, Russia)
2. Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Established: 1969
Headquarters: Jeddah
Members: 57
Purpose
- Promote Islamic solidarity
- Protect interests of Muslim countries
- Support Palestine and Kashmir issues
Important MCQ
Q: Which country hosts the OIC headquarters?
Ans: Saudi Arabia
3. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
Established: 8 December 1985
Headquarters: Kathmandu
Members
- Pakistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Sri Lanka
- Maldives
- Afghanistan
Objectives
- Regional cooperation
- Poverty reduction
- Economic development
Important MCQ
Q: Where was the SAARC Charter signed?
Ans: Dhaka, Bangladesh
4. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Established: 2001
Headquarters: Beijing
Members
China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Belarus
Pakistan Membership
2017
Focus Areas
- Security cooperation
- Counter-terrorism
- Trade and connectivity
Important MCQ
Q: Pakistan became a full SCO member in?
Ans: 2017
5. World Trade Organization (WTO)
Established: 1 January 1995
Headquarters: Geneva
Purpose
- Regulate international trade
- Resolve trade disputes
- Reduce trade barriers
Important MCQ
Q: WTO replaced which organization?
Ans: GATT
6. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Established: 1944
Headquarters: Washington
Functions
- Financial assistance
- Exchange rate stability
- Economic surveillance
Important MCQ
Q: IMF and World Bank were created under which agreement?
Ans: Bretton Woods Agreement (1944)
7. World Bank
Established: 1944
Headquarters: Washington
Main Components
- IBRD
- IDA
Functions
- Development loans
- Poverty reduction
- Infrastructure projects
Important MCQ
Q: World Bank’s main objective is?
Ans: Economic development and poverty reduction
8. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Established: 1966
Headquarters: Mandaluyong
Functions
- Development financing
- Infrastructure projects
- Regional cooperation
Pakistan
Pakistan is a founding member.
Important MCQ
Q: ADB headquarters is located in?
Ans: Philippines
9. Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
Established: 1985
Headquarters: Tehran
Founding Members
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Turkey
Objectives
- Trade promotion
- Transport links
- Energy cooperation
Important MCQ
Q: ECO replaced which organization?
Ans: RCD (Regional Cooperation for Development)
10. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Established: 1967
Headquarters: Jakarta
Members
10 Southeast Asian countries
Objectives
- Economic growth
- Political stability
- Regional cooperation
Important MCQ
Q: Which city hosts ASEAN headquarters?
Ans: Jakarta
Most Repeated Past Paper MCQs
- UN founded in 1945.
- OIC headquarters = Jeddah.
- SAARC headquarters = Kathmandu.
- SCO headquarters = Beijing.
- WTO replaced GATT.
- IMF and World Bank established at Bretton Woods Conference (1944).
- ECO founding members = Pakistan, Iran, Turkey.
- Pakistan became SCO member in 2017.
- ASEAN headquarters = Jakarta.
- Permanent members of UNSC = 5.
These 10 organizations cover nearly 80–90% of the international-organization questions commonly asked in CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and other Pakistani competitive examinations.
1. UNESCO
Important Details
- Founded: 16 November 1945
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Specialized agency of the UN.
- Promotes education, science, culture, communication, and preservation of heritage.
Pakistan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Mohenjo-daro
- Taxila
- Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens
- Rohtas Fort
Exam Questions
- UNESCO HQ? → Paris
- UNESCO established? → 1945
- UNESCO works in? → Education, Science & Culture
2. World Health Organization
Important Details
- Founded: 7 April 1948
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- UN agency responsible for international public health.
Important Days
- World Health Day → 7 April
Recent Focus Areas
- Pandemic response
- Vaccination programs
- Disease eradication
Exam Questions
- WHO HQ? → Geneva
- World Health Day? → 7 April
- WHO’s parent organization? → United Nations
3. Food and Agriculture Organization
Important Details
- Founded: 1945
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Works against hunger and food insecurity.
Main Objectives
- Improve agricultural productivity
- Ensure food security
- Reduce poverty
Exam Questions
- FAO HQ? → Rome
- UN agency dealing with food security? → FAO
4. International Labour Organization
Important Details
- Founded: 1919
- Headquarters: Geneva
- Oldest UN specialized agency.
- Nobel Peace Prize winner (1969).
Main Functions
- Workers’ rights
- Decent work standards
- Child labour elimination
Exam Questions
- Oldest specialized UN agency? → ILO
- ILO HQ? → Geneva
5. United Nations Children’s Fund
Important Details
- Founded: 1946
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Works for children and mothers.
Full Form
Originally:
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
Current official name:
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Exam Questions
- UNICEF HQ? → New York
- UNICEF works for? → Children
6. International Atomic Energy Agency
Important Details
- Founded: 1957
- Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
- Known as the world’s nuclear watchdog.
Functions
- Monitors nuclear activities
- Promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy
- Conducts inspections
Exam Questions
- Nuclear watchdog? → IAEA
- IAEA HQ? → Vienna
7. Financial Action Task Force
Important Details
- Founded: 1989
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Created by G7.
Functions
- Combats money laundering
- Counter-terror financing
- Financial monitoring
Important Terms
- Grey List → Increased monitoring
- Black List → High-risk jurisdictions
Pakistan
- Pakistan was removed from FATF Grey List in October 2022.
Exam Questions
- FATF HQ? → Paris
- FATF deals with? → Money laundering & terror financing
8. BRICS
Current Members (2026)
- Brazil
- Russia
- India
- China
- South Africa
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- United Arab Emirates
- Indonesia
Objectives
- Economic cooperation
- Alternative financial systems
- Greater voice for developing nations
Exam Questions
- BRICS stands for? → Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
- Largest BRICS economy? → China
9. Commonwealth of Nations
Important Details
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Members: 56
- Mostly former British colonies.
Pakistan
- Joined in 1947.
- Suspended twice and later restored.
Commonwealth Games
- Held every 4 years.
Exam Questions
- Commonwealth HQ? → London
- Is Pakistan member? → Yes
10. International Court of Justice
Important Details
- Established: 1945
- Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
- Principal judicial organ of the UN.
Functions
- Settles disputes between states.
- Gives advisory opinions.
Exam Questions
- World Court? → ICJ
- ICJ HQ? → The Hague
11. International Criminal Court
Important Details
- Established: 2002
- Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
Tries Individuals For
- Genocide
- War crimes
- Crimes against humanity
- Crime of aggression
Difference Between ICJ and ICC
| ICJ | ICC |
|---|---|
| Tries states | Tries individuals |
| UN organ | Independent court |
| Settles disputes | Criminal prosecution |
Very Important MCQ
12. Islamic Development Bank
Important Details
- Founded: 1975
- Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Financial institution of OIC countries.
Functions
- Development financing
- Infrastructure projects
- Poverty reduction
Exam Questions
- IsDB HQ? → Jeddah
- Muslim countries’ development bank? → IsDB
13. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Important Details
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded by Henry Dunant.
- Nobel Peace Prize recipient multiple times.
Functions
- Humanitarian aid
- Assistance during wars
- Disaster relief
- Protection of prisoners of war
Exam Questions
- Red Cross HQ? → Geneva
- Founder? → Henry Dunant
Most Repeated One-Liner MCQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| UNESCO HQ | Paris |
| WHO HQ | Geneva |
| FAO HQ | Rome |
| ILO HQ | Geneva |
| UNICEF HQ | New York |
| IAEA HQ | Vienna |
| FATF HQ | Paris |
| Commonwealth HQ | London |
| ICJ HQ | The Hague |
| ICC HQ | The Hague |
| IsDB HQ | Jeddah |
| Red Cross HQ | Geneva |
| World Health Day | 7 April |
| Oldest UN Specialized Agency | ILO |
| Nuclear Watchdog | IAEA |
| World Court | ICJ |
| Anti-Money Laundering Body | FATF |
14. GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)
Full Name
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Formation
📅 25 May 1981
Headquarters
📍 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Members (6)
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Oman
Purpose
- Economic integration
- Security cooperation
- Political coordination
- Defense collaboration among Gulf states
Important Exam Points
✔ Iraq is not a member of GCC.
✔ Yemen is not a member.
✔ GCC countries are often called the Arab Gulf States.
✔ Most GCC countries are major members of OPEC.
MCQs
Q. GCC was established in?
✔ 25 May 1981
Q. GCC Headquarters is located in?
✔ Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Q. How many members are in GCC?
✔ 6
15. G4 Nations
Formation
📅 2004 (not 2005)
Members (4)
- Brazil
- Germany
- India
- Japan
Objective
- Support each other’s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC).
- Seek reform of the UN Security Council.
Important Exam Points
✔ Known as the Group of Four (G4).
✔ They seek permanent seats in the UNSC.
✔ They do not seek veto power immediately, although eventual equality with existing permanent members is often discussed.
MCQs
Q. Which countries form the G4?
✔ Brazil, Germany, India, Japan
Q. The G4 campaign is related to reforms in which organization?
✔ United Nations Security Council
16. G7 (Group of Seven)
Formation
📅 1975
Headquarters
❌ No permanent headquarters
Members (7)
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
Purpose
- Coordinate economic policies
- Discuss global security issues
- Address climate and development challenges
Important Exam Points
✔ Composed of major advanced economies.
✔ European Union participates in G7 meetings but is not counted among the seven members.
✔ Russia is not a member.
MCQs
Q. G7 was established in?
✔ 1975
Q. Which country is not a member of G7?
✔ China
17. G8 (Former Group of Eight)
Formation
📅 1997
Members
G7 + Russia
- USA
- Canada
- UK
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Russia
Suspension of Russia
📅 2014
Reason:
- Following the annexation of Crimea by Russia.
Current Status
✔ G8 effectively returned to G7 after Russia’s suspension.
MCQs
Q. When did Russia join G7 to form G8?
✔ 1997
Q. When was Russia suspended from G8?
✔ 2014
18. G10 (Group of Ten)
Formation
📅 1962
Purpose
- Cooperation on international monetary matters.
- Supports the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Members (11)
Despite the name “G10”, it has 11 members.
- Belgium
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States
Headquarters
No separate headquarters; works closely with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland.
Important Exam Points
✔ Formed under the General Arrangements to Borrow (GAB).
✔ Name remains G10 although there are 11 members.
MCQs
Q. G10 was established in?
✔ 1962
Q. Which arrangement led to the creation of G10?
✔ General Arrangements to Borrow (GAB)
Q. How many actual members does G10 have?
✔ 11
Quick Revision Table
| Group | Formation | Members |
|---|---|---|
| GCC | 1981 | 6 |
| G4 | 2004 | 4 |
| G7 | 1975 | 7 |
| G8 | 1997 | 8 (Russia suspended in 2014) |
| G10 | 1962 | 11 |
Most Important One-Liners for Exams
- GCC Headquarters → Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- G4 → Brazil, Germany, India, Japan
- G7 Formation → 1975
- G8 Formation → 1997
- Russia Suspended from G8 → 2014
- G10 Formation → 1962
- G10 linked with → General Arrangements to Borrow (GAB)
- G10 actual members → 11
- GCC members → Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman
19. G-15 (Group of Fifteen)
Formation
1989
- Established during the 9th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Purpose
- Promote cooperation among developing countries.
- Enhance economic growth, trade, and investment.
- Act as a bridge between developing and developed nations.
Headquarters
📍 Geneva, Switzerland
Members (17)
Asia (5)
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Malaysia
- Sri Lanka
Africa (6)
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Zimbabwe
Latin America & Caribbean (6)
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Venezuela
Important Exam Points
- Name remains G-15 despite having 17 members.
- Founded under the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
- Focuses mainly on South-South Cooperation.
- Pakistan is not a member.
20. G-20 (Group of Twenty)
Formation
1999
Reason for Creation
- Created after the 1997–98 Asian Financial Crisis.
- Forum for international economic cooperation.
Headquarters
❌ No permanent headquarters.
Secretariat
❌ No permanent secretariat.
Members
Countries (19)
Asia
- India
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Indonesia
- Saudi Arabia
- Türkiye
Europe
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Russia
Americas
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
Africa
- South Africa
Oceania
- Australia
Regional Organizations
- European Union (EU)
- African Union (AU)
Important Exam Points
- Total members = 21 (19 countries + EU + AU).
- African Union joined in 2023 during the New Delhi Summit.
- Represents about:
- 85% of global GDP
- 75% of world trade
- Two-thirds of world population
- India hosted the 2023 G-20 Summit in New Delhi.
- South Africa is the only African country in G-20.
- Pakistan is not a member.
21. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Introduction
NATO is a military and political alliance formed for the collective defense of its members.
Establishment
- Founded: 4 April 1949
- Treaty: North Atlantic Treaty (Washington Treaty)
Headquarters
- Brussels
Current Members
- 32 member countries (after the accession of Finland in 2023 and Sweden in 2024)
Main Objective
- Collective defense and security cooperation
Important Article
Article 5
An attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all members.
Recent Summits
| Year | Host City/Country |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Washington DC, USA |
| 2025 | The Hague, Netherlands |
| 2026 | Türkiye (expected host) |
Important Facts
- NATO was formed during the Cold War.
- It was created mainly to counter the influence of the former Soviet Union.
- Pakistan is not a NATO member.
Frequently Asked MCQs
Q: NATO was established in?
Ans: 1949
Q: NATO headquarters is located in?
Ans: Brussels, Belgium
Q: What is Article 5 of NATO?
Ans: Collective defense clause.
Q: How many members does NATO have?
Ans: 32
Q: Which country joined NATO in 2024?
Ans: Sweden
22. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Introduction
APEC is a regional economic forum promoting trade, investment, and economic cooperation among Pacific Rim economies.
Establishment
- Founded: 1989
Headquarters
- Singapore
Members
- 21 economies
Major Members
- USA
- China
- Japan
- Russia
- Canada
- Australia
- South Korea
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Singapore
- Vietnam
Objectives
- Free trade and investment
- Economic growth
- Regional cooperation
- Sustainable development
Important Note
APEC uses the term “economies” instead of countries because members include entities such as Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) and Hong Kong.
Recent Summits
| Year | Host |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Lima, Peru |
| 2025 | Gyeongju, South Korea |
| 2026 | China |
Important Facts
- Pakistan is not a member of APEC.
- China, USA, and Russia are all members of APEC.
- APEC focuses on economics, unlike NATO which focuses on security.
NATO vs APEC
| Feature | NATO | APEC |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1949 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium | Singapore |
| Nature | Military Alliance | Economic Forum |
| Members | 32 countries | 21 economies |
| Purpose | Collective Defense | Trade & Economic Cooperation |
| Pakistan Member? | No | No |
| Important Treaty | North Atlantic Treaty | Bogor Goals & APEC Frameworks |
One-Line Revision
NATO = Military Alliance (1949, Brussels, 32 members, Article 5).
APEC = Economic Forum (1989, Singapore, 21 economies, promotes trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region).
Major Organization Summits (2024–2026)
| Organization | 2024 Summit | 2025 Summit | 2026 Status/Next Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group of Twenty (G20) | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Johannesburg, South Africa | USA (scheduled host) |
| Group of Seven (G7) | Apulia, Italy | Kananaskis, Canada | France |
| BRICS | Kazan, Russia | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | India (chair/host expected) |
| Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) | Islamabad Summit (Council of Heads of Government) | Tianjin, China | To be announced |
| Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) | Vientiane, Laos | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Philippines (chair) |
| Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) | Banjul, Gambia (15th Islamic Summit) | Ministerial meetings held | Next Islamic Summit pending |
| South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) | No summit | No summit | No summit announced |
| Commonwealth of Nations (CHOGM) | Apia, Samoa | — | Next CHOGM: Antigua & Barbuda (2026) |
| Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) | Various ministerial meetings | 17th ECO Summit, Azerbaijan | Next host TBA |
| Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) | Moscow, Russia | Dushanbe, Tajikistan | TBA |
| Organization | 2024 Summit/Meeting | 2025 Summit/Meeting | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) | Washington DC, USA (75th Anniversary Summit) | The Hague, Netherlands | Türkiye (expected) |
| Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) | Lima, Peru | Gyeongju, South Korea | China (scheduled) |
| African Union (AU) | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Annual summit expected |
| Arab League | Manama, Bahrain | Baghdad, Iraq | To be announced |
| Group of Seventy-Seven (G77) | UN meetings, New York | Various ministerial meetings | Ongoing |
| World Economic Forum (WEF) | Davos, Switzerland | Davos, Switzerland | Davos, Switzerland |
| International Monetary Fund / World Bank Annual Meetings | Washington DC, USA | Washington DC, USA | Annual meetings continue |
| United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29/30) | COP29 – Baku, Azerbaijan | COP30 – Belém, Brazil | COP31 – Australia (planned) |
| Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) | Cairo, Egypt | Follow-up meetings | Future summit pending |
| Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) | Ministerial meetings | Bangkok, Thailand Summit | Next summit TBA |
| European Union (EU) | European Council Summits | European Council Summits | Continuing |
| Organization of Turkic States (OTS) | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Hungary-hosted informal summit | Next summit TBA |