A multilateral organisation is an entity created by three or more countries to address issues of mutual interest that require collective action. These organisations typically operate on a global or regional scale and focus on areas such as international security, economic cooperation, public health, environmental protection, or humanitarian aid. The key feature of multilateral organisations is that they involve multiple countries working together to solve common problems, share resources, or create agreements.
Unlike bilateral organisations, which involve two parties, multilateral organisations provide a platform for many nations to collaborate and negotiate on issues that affect them all. The decision-making processes in these organisations often involve diplomacy, negotiations, and compromises among the member states.
Here are 10 examples of multilateral organisations:
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#1. United Nations (UN)
The United Nations is perhaps the most well-known multilateral organisation, established in 1945 after World War II to foster and maintain international peace and security, promote sustainable development as well as uphold human rights, and cultivate global cooperation. Its key bodies include the General Assembly, where all member states are represented, and the Security Council, which addresses global security challenges. Through its numerous specialised agencies, the UN leads efforts including peacekeeping missions, disaster relief efforts, and climate action initiatives.
If you are interested to learn more about the workings of the UN, we recommend the online course run by SOAS University of London titled Global Diplomacy: The United Nations in the World. This 7-weeks long course taught by Dr. Dan Plesch is a perfect introduction that would help you understand the inner workings of this multilateral organisation.
#2. European Union (EU)
Another key multilateral organisation is the European Union, founded in 1993 as a political and economic union of 27 European countries. The EU aims to foster economic integration, ensure the free movement of goods, services, and people, and promote peace and stability within Europe. Through its institutions, such as the European Parliament and the European Commission, the EU has created a single market, adopted a shared currency (the Euro), and taken collective action on issues like climate change and human rights.
#3. World Health Organisation (WHO)
The World Health Organization, founded in 1948, is a specialised UN agency that focuses on international public health. It leads efforts to combat diseases, respond to health emergencies, and improve access to essential medicines and care. The WHO has been instrumental in eradicating smallpox, controlling the Ebola outbreak, and coordinating global responses to COVID-19, making it a central figure in global health governance.
#4. World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Another major multilateral organisation is the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Established in 1995, it regulates international trade by providing a framework for negotiations and resolving disputes. Its goal is to promote free and fair trade among nations by reducing barriers and ensuring predictability in global markets. Despite facing criticism for its impact on developing nations, the WTO has played a crucial role in fostering global economic integration.
#5. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)
NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, is a military alliance established in 1949 as a collective defence mechanism. Initially formed by 12 countries in the aftermath of World War II, NATO aimed to counter Soviet influence in Europe during the Cold War. Its founding principle, outlined in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. This principle has been invoked only once – in response to the September 11 attacks in 2001.
#6. African Union (AU)
The African Union is a multilateral organisation established in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and strengthening cooperation among African countries. With 55 member states, the AU’s mission is to promote political and economic integration across the continent, enhance peace and security, and support sustainable development. The AU has played a critical role in addressing conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic through its peacekeeping missions. It also seeks to create a common African market, having established the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2021 to boost intra-African trade.
#7. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Founded in 1967, ASEAN is a regional organisation that unites 10 Southeast Asian nations, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Its primary goal is to promote political and economic cooperation, peace, and stability in the region. ASEAN has worked towards reducing trade barriers, creating a regional free trade area, and facilitating dialogues among its members and external partners like China, Japan, and India. ASEAN has been instrumental in fostering regional security, particularly through mechanisms like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which focuses on regional security issues like maritime disputes and terrorism. ASEAN’s efforts to unify its diverse economies have led to greater economic growth in the region, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the world.
#8. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
The BRICS group, encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a coalition of emerging economies that together account for a significant share of global GDP and population. Established in 2009, BRICS aims to challenge Western dominance in international economic and political affairs. The group focuses on reforming global governance structures, promoting economic development, and increasing trade among its members. In addition to regular summits, BRICS members have created institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB), which funds infrastructure and development projects in emerging economies. While BRICS members have different political systems and levels of economic development, they share a common interest in reducing dependency on Western-dominated financial institutions and fostering more equitable global development.
#9. Organisation of American States
The Organisation of American States (OAS), founded in 1948, is a regional organisation consisting of 35 independent states in the Americas. Its primary goals are to promote democracy, human rights, security, and development across the Western Hemisphere. The OAS has been actively involved in promoting democratic governance and addressing conflicts within member states. It works to resolve political crises (such as in Venezuela and Nicaragua) and facilitates dialogue on issues like trade, immigration, and the environment. One of its flagship initiatives is the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which works to safeguard human rights throughout the Americas. The OAS also provides a platform for member states to cooperate on economic issues, particularly with its Summit of the Americas, which brings together leaders from across the continent to discuss pressing regional issues.
#10. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
The OECD is an international organisation founded in 1961 with 38 member countries, primarily from Europe, North America, and Asia. It aims to promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The OECD serves as a forum where governments can collaborate on economic policy, share research, and develop best practices. One of its most influential roles is in setting international standards on issues such as tax, trade, employment, and education. The OECD’s Economic Outlook provides an important analysis of the global economy, while its PISA assessments of global education systems offer valuable insights into how countries can improve their education systems. The organisation also focuses on social issues such as inequality, sustainability, and governance, using data and research to inform global discussions.
#11. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). Its mission is to assess scientific information related to climate change, its impacts, and potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. The IPCC is known for publishing comprehensive assessment reports that summarise the latest climate science, providing policymakers with critical data on the state of the climate and its projected future impacts. These reports have played a key role in shaping international climate policy, such as the Paris Agreement.
If this is something that interests you, we recommend the online course on The UN Sustainable Development Goals run by the University of Copenhagen, as well as The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development taught by the SDG Academy.
#12. International Labour Organisation (ILO)
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), founded in 1919, is a specialised agency of the United Nations focused on promoting fair labour practices and advancing workers’ rights globally. Its mission is to ensure that work contributes to upholding human dignity and social justice. The ILO sets international labour standards, provides technical assistance to countries in the areas of employment policy, social protection, and labour rights, and promotes decent work for all. The ILO’s Decent Work Agenda aims to promote job creation, protect workers’ rights, and enhance social protection systems, particularly in the developing world. It plays a key role in tackling issues like child labour, forced labour, discrimination in the workplace, and the gender pay gap. Through its tripartite structure, the ILO brings together governments, employers, and workers to discuss and adopt international labour conventions, which guide labour laws worldwide. The organisation also supports global efforts to address the changing nature of work in an increasingly globalised and digital economy.
#13. Arab League
The Arab League, formally known as the League of Arab States, was founded in 1945 to foster economic, cultural, and political cooperation among its member countries in the Arab world. Initially established by seven countries – Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen – it has since grown to include 22 member states, spanning from North Africa to the Middle East. The league was created in response to the need for a collective Arab identity and to address shared regional issues, particularly in the context of post-colonialism and the Arab-Israeli conflict.