INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) are defined as formal entities constituted by sovereign states through an international agreement, with the purpose of cooperating and interacting on various issues of mutual concern. These organizations are established to facilitate and coordinate policies and actions among member states, promoting collaboration and harmonization on global matters such as peace and security, economic development, environmental protection, human rights, and humanitarian affairs.
IGOs operate within a framework of legal and political structures agreed upon by member states. They are characterized by decision-making processes, governance structures, and mechanisms for member states to engage in consultations and negotiations. Typically, these organizations have a permanent secretariat to facilitate their administrative functions and implement policies as directed by the member states.
Membership in an IGO is voluntary and open to sovereign states based on predetermined criteria. IGOs often contribute to the multilateral system by providing a forum for states to exchange information, negotiate agreements, and collectively address common challenges that transcend national boundaries.
Examples of prominent intergovernmental organizations include the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organization (WTO), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), among many others. These organizations have different mandates and scopes, but all share the common objective of promoting international cooperation and addressing global issues through intergovernmental collaboration.
Etymology of INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
The word "intergovernmental" is derived from the prefix "inter-" and the word "governmental".
The prefix "inter-" comes from Latin and means "between" or "among". It is used to indicate that something is happening or involving two or more entities.
The word "governmental" is derived from the noun "government", which comes from the Old French word "governement". It refers to the system or organization through which a country or state is ruled or governed.
Therefore, "intergovernmental" means something that occurs or involves two or more governments or governing bodies.
The word "organizations" is the plural form of "organization" and comes from the Latin word "organizare". It refers to a group or body of people working together towards a common goal or purpose.
