International Organisations & Summits
🟢 Lite — Quick Review
International Organisations and Summits typically contribute 4–6 questions to the MAT General Knowledge section. The focus is on major multilateral forums where India plays a significant role, recent summit outcomes, institutional leadership, and India’s foreign policy positioning. Candidates should prioritise G20 (especially India’s 2023 presidency), BRICS expansion (effective January 2024), UN Security Council structure, SAARC, ASEAN, WTO disputes involving India, and climate agreements.
Key facts to memorise:
- G20: 19 countries + European Union (20 economies); accounts for 85% of world GDP, 75% of global trade, 2/3 of world population; India held 2023 presidency; New Delhi Summit (9–10 September 2023) admitted the African Union as a permanent member (G21)
- BRICS: Original 5 members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa); expanded to 10 from January 2024 (adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia); New Development Bank (NDB) headquartered in Shanghai
- UN Security Council: 5 permanent members with veto power (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) + 10 non-permanent members elected for 2-year terms; P5 have veto on substantive resolutions
- SAARC: 8 members (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan); Afghanistan suspended since 2021; HQ Kathmandu
- WTO: 164 members; Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria, first woman DG, since 2021); India has active disputes with USA and EU
- COP28 (2023, Dubai): First Global Stocktake completed; fossil fuel “transitioning away” language agreed; Loss and Damage Fund operationalised
⚡ MAT Exam Tip: G20 and BRICS expansion are hot topics given recent developments. Know India’s G20 2023 presidency theme (“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — One Earth, One Family, One Future), the New Delhi Declaration outcomes, and the AU admission. For BRICS, know the five new members (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia — effective January 2024). UN Security Council reform has been discussed for decades; know that India, Japan, Germany, and Brazil form the G4 seeking permanent membership.
🟡 Standard — Regular Study
United Nations System
Founding and Evolution:
The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 (UN Day, celebrated annually) when the UN Charter signed on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco came into force. The organisation grew from 51 founding member states to 193 (all nations except Vatican City/Holy See and Taiwan). The preamble begins: “We the peoples of the United Nations…determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war…”
The UN was designed to prevent another world war after the devastation of World War II, which claimed approximately 70–85 million lives. The immediate predecessor was the League of Nations (1920–1946), which failed to prevent World War II and was officially dissolved in 1946.
Principal Organs:
General Assembly (UNGA): Every UN member has one vote in the 193-member General Assembly. Key powers include: approving the UN budget, electing non-permanent Security Council members, electing judges of the International Court of Justice, and granting observer status. Resolutions are not legally binding (unlike Security Council resolutions on peace and security). The President of UNGA rotates annually among regional groups — the 78th session (2023–2024) was chaired by Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago.
Security Council (UNSC): The 15-member Security Council bears primary responsibility for international peace and security. Five permanent members (P5) — United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China — hold veto power on substantive resolutions. The veto means any P5 can block a resolution, regardless of international support (e.g., Russia vetoed resolutions on Ukraine in 2022 and 2023; the US has vetoed resolutions on Israel multiple times).
The P5 composition dates from the post-WWII settlement: the USA, UK, and France were wartime allies; the Soviet Union was invited as a counterbalance; China’s seat was held by the Republic of China (Nationalist China) until 1971 when it transferred to the People’s Republic of China. Russia’s seat technically succeeded the USSR in 1991.
Ten non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly, with five elected each year. Regional representation is fixed: 3 from Africa, 2 from Asia-Pacific, 2 from Latin America and Caribbean, 2 from Western Europe and others, 1 from Eastern Europe.
India has served on the UNSC seven times (1950–51, 1956–57, 1967–68, 1972–73, 1977–78, 1984–85, 1991–92), most recently in 2011–12, and is currently seeking permanent membership as part of the G4 nations (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil).
Secretariat: The UN Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the General Assembly on the Security Council’s recommendation for a five-year term. António Guterres (Portugal), former UNHCR head, has served since 2017 and was reappointed for 2022–2026.
Previous Secretaries-General: Kofi Annan (Ghana, 1997–2006), Boutros Boutros-Ghali (Egypt, 1992–96), Javier Pérez de Cuéllar (Peru, 1982–91), Kurt Waldheim (Austria, 1972–81), U Thant (Myanmar, 1961–71), Dag Hammarskjöld (Sweden, 1953–61), and Trygve Lie (Norway, 1946–52).
International Court of Justice (ICJ): The ICJ, seated at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands), is the UN’s principal judicial organ. It has 15 judges elected for nine-year terms (one-third elected every three years). It adjudicates disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on UN legal questions. Current President (as of 2024) is Nawaf Salam of Lebanon. India’s Judge at ICJ is Dalveer Bhandari (served since 2008; re-elected 2017).
Notable ICJ cases: Nicaragua vs United States (1986 — US found guilty of supporting Contra rebels); South Africa vs Israel (genocide case, 2023 — ongoing regarding Gaza); Kulbhushan Jadhav case (2019 — Pakistan found to have breached Vienna Convention on consular access).
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): 54 members; coordinates the UN’s economic and social work across specialised agencies, commissions, and programmes. The Human Development Report is published by UNDP (ECOSOC-affiliated).
Specialised Agencies:
| Agency | Focus | Headquarters | Current Head |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILO | Labour standards, rights | Geneva | Gilbert Houngbo (Togo, since 2022) |
| WHO | Health | Geneva | Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Ethiopia, 2017–present; reappointed 2022) |
| UNESCO | Education, culture, science | Paris | Audrey Azoulay (France, 2017; reappointed 2021) |
| IMF | Financial stability, balance of payments | Washington DC | Kristalina Georgieva (Bulgaria, 2019–present) |
| World Bank | Development finance | Washington DC | Ajay Banga (India-born American, 2023–present) |
| FAO | Agriculture, food security | Rome | QU Dongyu (China, 2019) |
| UNDP | Human development | New York | Achim Steiner (Germany/Austria, 2017) |
G20 and India’s 2023 Presidency
G20 Background:
The Group of Twenty emerged from the 1999 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors during the Asian Financial Crisis. It was elevated to heads of state level in 2008 during the global financial crisis, making it the premier forum for global economic cooperation. Membership includes 19 individual countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States) plus the European Union (as a supranational entity).
India’s G20 Presidency (1 December 2022 – 30 November 2023):
India’s G20 presidency was the 18th, and at the time of the summit, the largest — with 43 countries participating (including 32 heads of state). The official theme was “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth, One Family, One Future), drawn from the Maha Upanishad, advocating the concept of the world as one family.
The New Delhi Summit (9–10 September 2023) produced the New Delhi Declaration — a 112-paragraph consensus document covering everything from climate action to digital public infrastructure. Key outcomes:
- African Union admission: The African Union became a permanent G20 member (effective immediately), transforming G20 to G21. This was a significant diplomatic victory for India and the Global South.
- Global Biofuels Alliance: India-initiated alliance to promote biofuels; Brazil and USA joined as founding members
- International Cricket Council (ICC) Observer Status for the Olympics: Paved the way for cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
- Green Development Pact: Commitment to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030
- Digital Public Infrastructure: Recognition of India’s UPI, Aadhaar, and ONDC as models for digital infrastructure
- Multilateral Development Banks reform: Commitment to reform MDBs to enable them to better address global challenges
- Ukraine: G20 leaders’ declaration avoided directly blaming Russia for the war, instead using watered-down language about “aggression” — a diplomatic compromise acceptable to all members including Russia and China
2024 G20 was hosted by Brazil (Rio de Janeiro); 2025 will be South Africa.
BRICS Expansion
Original BRICS (2009–2022):
The term “BRIC” was coined by Jim O’Neill, Chief Economist at Goldman Sachs, in a 2001 paper arguing that Brazil, Russia, India, and China would become four of the world’s five largest economies by 2050. South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS. The first formal summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia in 2009.
The primary goals were reform of international financial institutions (World Bank, IMF) to reflect changed global economic realities, promoting South-South cooperation, and establishing a multipolar world order less dominated by Western powers.
BRICS Expansion (Effective January 2024):
At the 2023 Johannesburg Summit (15th BRICS Summit, 22–24 August 2023, South Africa), BRICS announced a significant expansion, with six new members admitted effective 1 January 2024:
- Egypt (Arab Republic of Egypt, North Africa)
- Ethiopia (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, East Africa)
- Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran, West Asia)
- United Arab Emirates (UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council)
- Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council)
Saudi Arabia and UAE are close US allies; their inclusion was viewed as diplomatically significant — they did not join to oppose the West but to hedge their positions. Ethiopia is Africa’s second-most populous nation. Egypt is the Arab world’s most populous country. Iran’s inclusion further complicated Western relations with BRICS.
The expansion is called “BRICS+” or “BRICS-11” in media. An alternative currency for intra-BRICS trade has been discussed but no concrete mechanism exists as of 2024. The push for de-dollarisation (reducing reliance on the US dollar in global trade) is a shared concern, though member states have different views on urgency and approach.
New Development Bank (NDB):
Established in 2014 (Fortaleza Declaration, Brazil) as BRICS’ parallel to the World Bank. Headquartered in Shanghai, China. The first President was K.V. Kamath (India, 2015–2020); current President is Marcos Troyjo (Brazil, 2020–2025). NDB provides loans for infrastructure and development projects in BRICS and developing nations. Total lending has exceeded $30 billion across multiple projects.
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
SAARC was founded on 8 December 1985 through the Dacca Declaration signed by the heads of state of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan joined in 2007. The founding was largely Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman’s initiative, with India initially cautious.
SAARC operates on the principle of consensus — any member can block decisions. This has been its weakness, as India-Pakistan bilateral tensions frequently block progress. Afghanistan’s membership was suspended following the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
SAARC’s main bodies are the Summit (heads of state, every two years), the Council of Ministers (foreign ministers), the Secretariat (Kathmandu, Nepal), and various technical committees and regional centres. SAFTA (SAARC Free Trade Agreement, 2006) created a free trade area but has seen limited utilisation due to non-tariff barriers and India-Pakistan tensions limiting regional trade.
India has historically dominated SAARC economically but politically has been constrained by Pakistan’s objections. India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy prioritises bilateral relations over SAARC, and most major infrastructure connectivity projects (with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar) are bilateral rather than regional.
ASEAN and India’s Relations
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded on 8 August 1967 (Bangkok Declaration) by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Later expanded to include Brunei (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos and Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999). ASEAN’s purposes include accelerating economic growth, cultural development, and peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
India is not an ASEAN member but has been a Dialogue Partner since 1992, Summit-level partner since 2005, and Strategic Partner since 2012. India’s Look East Policy (launched in the 1990s by P.V. Narasimha Rao, later upgraded to Act East Policy by Narendra Modi) positions ASEAN at its core.
Key cooperation areas include: trade (ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement in goods, services, and investment has been operational since 2010; negotiations for upgradation of AITIGA are ongoing), connectivity (Kaladan Multimodal Project connecting India’s West Bengal to Mizoram via Myanmar’s Sittwe port; India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway), and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
🔴 Extended — Deep Study
Global Climate Agreements
UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol:
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and entered into force in 1994. Its ultimate objective is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at a level preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
The Kyoto Protocol (adopted at COP3 in 1997, entered into force 2005) was the first binding climate treaty. It required developed countries (Annex I countries) to reduce emissions by an average of 5% below 1990 levels during 2008–2012. The USA signed but never ratified Kyoto (withdrew in 2001); Canada withdrew in 2011. The Doha Amendment (2012) extended the Protocol’s second commitment period (2013–2020).
The Paris Agreement (COP21, 2015):
The landmark Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 on 12 December 2015 in Paris, with 196 parties. Its core goal: limiting global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. Unlike Kyoto, Paris uses voluntary Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — each country sets its own targets and must update them every five years.
India’s Paris Agreement commitments:
- Reduce emission intensity of GDP by 33–35% from 2005 levels by 2030
- Achieve 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030
- Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover
- Updated NDC (2022): 50% cumulative electric power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030; Carbon neutrality target of 2070
Key COP Outcomes:
| COP | Year | Location | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| COP3 | 1997 | Kyoto | Kyoto Protocol adopted |
| COP15 | 2009 | Copenhagen | Copenhagen Accord (voluntary pledges) |
| COP21 | 2015 | Paris | Paris Agreement adopted |
| COP26 | 2021 | Glasgow | Glasgow Climate Pact; first explicit mention of coal “phase down” |
| COP27 | 2022 | Sharm El-Sheikh | Loss and Damage Fund established |
| COP28 | 2023 | Dubai | First Global Stocktake; “transitioning away” from fossil fuels; Loss and Damage Fund operationalised |
At COP28 (2023, UAE), the first-ever Global Stocktake assessed progress since Paris 2015 — the conclusion was that the world is off-track: current policies would lead to approximately 2.5–2.9°C warming by 2100. The final text “calls upon” parties to transition away from fossil fuels “in a just, orderly and equitable manner.”
World Trade Organization
Structure and Functioning:
The WTO, established on 1 January 1995 (replacing GATT 1947), has 164 members covering over 98% of world trade. Its core principles are:
- Most Favoured Nation (MFN): Any trade advantage given to one member must be extended to all WTO members immediately and unconditionally
- National Treatment: Imported products must be treated no less favourably than domestically produced products once they have entered the market
- Free trade through progressive reduction of tariffs and non-tariff barriers
- Binding commitments: Countries cannot raise tariffs beyond “bound rates” without compensating affected trading partners
The WTO’s highest decision-making body is the Ministerial Conference (held every two years). The Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU) provides a rules-based mechanism for resolving trade conflicts — far more effective than GATT’s system which allowed countries to block any ruling.
India’s Role:
India has been an active WTO member, frequently involved in disputes regarding agricultural subsidies (India’s MSP programmes challenged by the USA and Australia at the Dispute Settlement Body), intellectual property (Section 3(d) of India’s Patents Act preventing evergreening of patents was challenged by Novartis), and tariff restrictions.
India’s trade policy has been contested: its high average tariffs (though declining), complex customs procedures, and domestic support for agriculture have drawn criticism from developed nations. However, India’s position as a developing country with significant poverty allows it to claim special and differential treatment provisions.
World Economic Forum and Security Dialogues
World Economic Forum (WEF):
Founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab (then a professor at Geneva University), the WEF brings together business, political, and intellectual leaders annually in Davos, Switzerland, to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. The annual meeting in Davos (January) is the most famous; the “Summer Davos” is held in Tianjin, China.
India has been prominently featured at WEF — Prime Minister Modi addressed Davos in 2018 and 2023. India’s UPI and digital public infrastructure have been praised by Klaus Schwab as examples of 4th Industrial Revolution applications. India’s demographic dividend, IT sector, and renewable energy commitments are frequent discussion topics.
Shangri-La Dialogue (Singapore):
An annual security forum organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), held in Singapore since 2002. Named after James Hilton’s 1933 novel “Lost Horizon.” It brings together defence ministers, military chiefs, and security experts from Asia-Pacific nations. India has been a regular participant — the External Affairs Minister and Defence Minister typically attend.
Raisina Dialogue (India):
An annual geo-political conference in New Delhi, organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) since 2016. Positioned as India’s answer to Davos/Shangri-La, it brings together global leaders to discuss the international order, maritime security, and India’s role in the Indo-Pacific.
NATO and Global Security
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization):
Founded on 4 April 1949 (Washington Treaty) with 12 original members to counter Soviet expansion in Europe. Article 5 — collective defence — has been invoked only once: by the United States after the 11 September 2001 attacks on New York and Washington.
NATO has expanded significantly since 1991: from 12 to 31 members as of 2024. Finland joined in April 2023 (after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine); Sweden joined in March 2024 (after Turkey lifted its veto). Sweden’s accession was delayed nearly two years due to Turkey’s objections to Swedish support for Kurdish groups and Sweden’s laws on Freedom of Expression.
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (Norway) served from 2014 until October 2024, when Mark Rutte (Netherlands) succeeded him.
India is not a NATO member and maintains strategic autonomy. However, India participates in NATO’s partnership programmes (Partnership for Peace, Istanbul Cooperation Initiative) and has participated in NATO summits as a “contact country.” India’s primary security forum in the Indo-Pacific is the Quad (with USA, Japan, Australia).
MAT Strategy for International Organisations
Key facts to remember:
- WTO DG: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria; first woman DG; 2021–present)
- World Bank President: Ajay Banga (India-born American; 2023–present; first Indian-born president)
- UN Secretary-General: António Guterres (Portugal; 2017–present; reappointed 2022)
- WHO Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Ethiopia; 2017–present; reappointed 2022)
- NATO Secretary-General: Mark Rutte (Netherlands; from 2024)
- UNGA President (current): Dennis Francis (Trinidad and Tobago; 78th session)
Most frequently tested:
- G20 presidency themes and outcomes (India 2023, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”)
- BRICS new members and effective date
- UN Security Council P5 veto holders
- India and its memberships/observer status (G4, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as observer, ASEAN dialogue partner)
- Recent COP outcomes (Loss and Damage Fund, Global Stocktake)
- Headquarters locations (WTO Geneva, IMF Washington, World Bank Washington, UNGA New York)
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