9/8/2026
When people search for the “15 agencies of the UN,” they are usually referring to the 15 specialized agencies of the United Nations system. These are autonomous international organizations that work with the UN through formal agreements and have their own mandates, leadership and budgets.
The 15 specialized agencies traditionally identified within the UN system are:
The UN itself lists these organizations among its specialized agencies and related organizations.
Specialized agencies are not simply departments of the UN Secretariat. They are autonomous international organizations that have their own governance structures and budgets while maintaining formal relationships with the United Nations.
This distinction is important when researching UN agencies and jobs.
For example, WHO is responsible for international health, while FAO focuses on food and agriculture. UNESCO works in education, science and culture, while ICAO focuses on international civil aviation.
The Food and Agriculture Organization works to combat hunger and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
The International Civil Aviation Organization develops international standards and policies for civil aviation.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development focuses on rural poverty reduction, food security and improving the livelihoods of rural populations.
The International Labour Organization works on labour standards, decent work, employment and social protection.
The International Monetary Fund promotes international monetary cooperation and financial stability and provides policy advice and financial assistance to countries.
UNESCO works in education, science, culture, communication and the protection of cultural heritage.
The World Health Organization is the UN specialized agency responsible for international public health.
The World Intellectual Property Organization works on intellectual property systems and international cooperation concerning intellectual property.
The World Meteorological Organization works on weather, climate, hydrology and related scientific cooperation.
No. This is an important distinction.
UNICEF and UNDP are part of the UN system, but they are not classified as specialized agencies. The UN system also contains funds, programmes and other entities with their own mandates.
The UN explains that its funds, programmes, specialized agencies and other entities have their own budgets, mandates, leadership and headquarters.
Therefore, a complete understanding of the UN system requires looking beyond the 15 specialized agencies.
The specialized agencies allow international cooperation to focus on specific technical areas.
Instead of one organization handling everything from aviation and postal services to health, labour and agriculture, specialized organizations develop expertise in their respective fields.
This structure also creates thousands of international career opportunities.
People interested in UN agency jobs can find careers in areas including economics, public health, agriculture, engineering, aviation, labour law, information technology, communications, finance and programme management.
Unchannel - 9/8/2026