How to use this glossary
These abbreviations dominate IR and current affairs. Learn the UN system, the Bretton Woods institutions and the regional groupings as blocks.
UN
United Nations
IMF/WTO
Finance & trade
BRICS
Emerging economies
ASEAN
SE Asia bloc
The UN system
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| UN | United Nations |
| UNSC | United Nations Security Council |
| UNGA | United Nations General Assembly |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| UNESCO | UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
| UNICEF | United Nations Children’s Fund |
| UNHCR | UN High Commissioner for Refugees |
| ILO | International Labour Organization |
Finance and trade
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| IMF | International Monetary Fund |
| WTO | World Trade Organization |
| IBRD | International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) |
| ADB | Asian Development Bank |
| AIIB | Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank |
| NDB | New Development Bank (BRICS bank) |
| OECD | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development |
Regional groupings and blocs
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| SAARC | South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation |
| ASEAN | Association of Southeast Asian Nations |
| BRICS | Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (+ new members) |
| OPEC | Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries |
| NATO | North Atlantic Treaty Organization |
| SCO | Shanghai Cooperation Organisation |
| G20 / G7 | Group of Twenty / Group of Seven |
UPSC angle
Group by family: UN agencies (WHO/UNESCO/UNICEF), Bretton Woods (IMF/World Bank/WTO) and groupings (SAARC/ASEAN/BRICS/SCO). Headquarters and members are common follow-ups.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of WHO and WTO?
WHO = World Health Organization; WTO = World Trade Organization.
What does ASEAN stand for?
Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
What is the full form of BRICS?
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (with newer members added).
What is the full form of OPEC?
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.