Info Nuggets

FAO: Leading the fight against hunger and malnutrition

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialised agency dedicated to defeating hunger and improving nutrition and food security worldwide.

Mission and activities

FAO’s mission is to help governments and development agencies coordinate their activities to improve and develop agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and land and water resources. The organisation:

•  Conducts research and provides technical assistance to projects
•  Operates educational and training programs
•  Collects agricultural output, production, and development data

Governance and structure

FAO has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union. The organisation is governed by a biennial conference and a 49-member executive council. The director-general serves as the chief administrative officer.

History and impact

FAO was founded in 1945, building on the legacy of the International Institute of Agriculture (IIA), which was established in 1905. With its headquarters in Rome, Italy, FAO operates in over 130 countries, working to improve food security and nutrition for all.

WIPO: Protecting intellectual property worldwide

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting and protecting intellectual property (IP) globally.

Mission and activities

WIPO’s mission is to facilitate international cooperation on IP issues. The organisation:

- Hosts forums to discuss and shape international IP rules and policies

- Provides global services for registering and protecting IP

- Resolves transboundary IP disputes

- Develops uniform standards and infrastructure for IP systems

- Serves as a reference database on IP matters

Governance and structure

WIPO is governed by the General Assembly and the Coordination Committee, which set policy and make key decisions. The organisation is administered by a Secretariat and headed by a Director General. WIPO has 193 member states and external offices around the world.

Financing and impact

Unlike most UN organisations, WIPO is largely self-financed, with 95% of its budget coming from fees related to its global services. WIPO plays a crucial role in promoting innovation and creativity worldwide by protecting IP rights and facilitating international cooperation.