Government Documents - United Nations Collection: Other Major Intergovernmental Organizations

The Government Documents Collection does not collect materials for non-UN affiliated intergovernmental organizations (IGOs).  This list provides links to the websites of some of the major IGOs.

African Union (AU) The 54-member states have among their many objectives to achieve unity and solidarity among African countries, promote peace, security and stablility of the African continent, encourage democratic principles and institutions, protection of human and peoples' rights and the development of economic, social, cultural, health, scientific and technological growth.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) An economic forum supporting growth and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region.  It includes 21 Pacific Rim economies concerned with trade and economic issues.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)  A partnership of ten Southeast countries to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.

European Union  Economic and political partnership between 27 European countries that has developed into a single market, using the euro as the common currency.

League of Arab States A regional organization of 22 Arab countries in North and Northeast Africa and Southwest Asia (Middle East) joined to facilitate political, economic, cultural, scientific, social progress as well as settlement of disputes and coordination of military defense.

North American Treaty Organization (NATO)  A political and military alliance of 28 member states of North America and Europe.  Its guiding principle is that an attack on one or on several members is an attack on all.

Organization of American States (OAS)  The world’s oldest regional organization began in 1890 as the Pan-American Union.  Today there are 35 permanent member states from North America, South America and the Caribbean working together to settle disputes between member states, provide for collective security, and promote cooperation in economic, social and cultural matters.

Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)  International economic organization currently made up of 34 member countries committed to democracy and the market economy.

For a more extensive listing, see the List of IGOs compiled by Northwestern University Library.