Timeline and Evolution of Global Organisations
Which Global Organisations Were Founded First, and How Have New Ones Evolved?
Over the last century, countries have formed global organisations to work together on peace, trade, health, environment, and more. The earliest organisations were created to stop wars and promote cooperation. Over time, newer organisations have been formed to face modern challenges like climate change, technology, and pandemics.
1. Early Global Organisations (Before and After World Wars)
- League of Nations (1919): Formed after World War I, aimed to prevent wars. Failed and was replaced.
- United Nations (1945): Formed after World War II to promote peace and cooperation.
Other Early Organisations:
- WHO (1948) – Health
- UNESCO (1945) – Education and culture
- IMF & World Bank (1944) – Global finance and development
- NATO (1949) – Defence alliance
2. Growth of Organisations During Globalisation (1970s–1990s)
- WTO (1995): Manages trade rules and disputes
- OPEC (1960): Controls oil production and prices
- UNICEF: Protects children’s rights
- Greenpeace (1971): Fights for environmental protection
3. Modern Global Organisations (2000s–Present)
- G20 (1999, active since 2008): Solves global economic problems
- IPCC: Combats climate change
- Internet Governance Forum (2006): Discusses internet safety
- SDG Partnerships (2015): Focused on global goals by 2030
- BRICS Expansion (2024): Added new members to strengthen economic cooperation
Timeline of Key Global Organisations
Organisation |
Year Formed |
Focus Area |
League of Nations |
1919 |
Peace (no longer active) |
United Nations (UN) |
1945 |
Global peace and aid |
WHO |
1948 |
Health |
NATO |
1949 |
Defence |
IMF & World Bank |
1944 |
Finance and development |
UNESCO |
1945 |
Education and culture |
OPEC |
1960 |
Oil and energy |
WTO |
1995 |
Trade |
G20 |
1999 |
Global economy |
IPCC |
1988 |
Climate change science |
SDG Partnerships |
2015 |
Sustainable development |
Internet Governance Forum |
2006 |
Digital policy |
BRICS (Expanded) |
2009–2024 |
Emerging economies alliance |
How Have They Evolved?
- Older organisations focused on war, peace, and global recovery
- Newer ones address modern issues like digital safety, climate change, and health emergencies
- More countries from Asia, Africa, and South America now participate
- Technology helps faster coordination between countries
Summary
The earliest global organisations like the League of Nations and United Nations were formed to keep peace. Later, groups like WHO, NATO, and IMF addressed health, defence, and finance. In modern times, new organisations help manage global issues like the economy, climate change, and technology. Together, these bodies help make the world more united and responsive to shared problems.