What is the UK's role in key international organisations?

What is the UK’s role in key international organisations?

The United Nations (UN)

  • Gain an understanding of how the UK interacts with the UN. The UK is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and plays a significant role in maintaining international peace and security.
  • Understand the role of the UK in upholding the UN Charter. It is a guide for handling international conflicts and promoting human rights.
  • Learn about the UK’s involvement in UN Specialized Agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, and UNESCO, cooperating on issues of common interest like health, education, and culture.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

  • Learn about the UK’s position as one of the founding members of NATO, an organisation that promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defence and security-related issues.
  • Understand the UK’s commitment to NATO’s collective defence principle, under Article 5 of the treaty, granting protection to all members.
  • Comprehend the importance of the UK’s contribution to NATO missions to uphold international peace and security, including operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo.

The European Union (Post-Brexit)

  • Familiarise yourself with the UK’s new relationship with the EU post-Brexit, now as a non-member with a trade and cooperation agreement.
  • Develop an understanding of the ongoing negotiations and adjustments in areas like services, data, and travel, post-Brexit.
  • Be aware of the UK’s continued collaboration with the EU on issues of shared concern, including climate change, security, and research.

The Commonwealth of Nations

  • Understand the UK’s role as the head of the Commonwealth, with the monarch as the symbolic leader.
  • Recognise the UK’s commitment to the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, as outlined in the Commonwealth Charter.
  • Learn about the cultural, educational and political links the UK maintains with other Commonwealth countries.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO)

  • Grasp the influence of the UK in the WTO, an institution that regulates international trade.
  • Acknowledge the UK’s role in trade negotiations and understand the importance of rules-based trade systems.
  • Be aware of how the UK uses the WTO to promote free trade and resolve trade disputes.