Global Committees | Groups of Nations Fostering Cooperation and Collaboration

In order to handle shared security challenges and preserve regional stability, political and security organizations are essential. Various such organisations are observed around the world contributing to these causes. 

1. The EU 

The notion that nations that trade with one another become economically interconnected and are therefore more likely to avoid conflict led to the creation of the European Union, or EU, after World War II to promote economic cooperation. The outcome was the establishment of the European Economic Community in 1958, initially aimed at fostering greater economic cooperation among the six nations of Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Since then, 22 more nations have joined (the UK exited the EU on January 31, 2020, a move known as "Brexit"), and a massive single market has been established that is still growing to its full potential.

The euro, a unified European currency, was introduced by the EU. Its benefits are being enjoyed by over 340 million EU people across 19 nations who utilize it as their money. Most EU countries have abolished border restrictions, allowing individuals to travel freely across the majority of the continent. Additionally, it is now much simpler to live and work in another European nation. Every EU citizen is free and entitled to select the EU nation where they wish to work, study, or retire. When it comes to work, social security, and taxes, each EU nation must treat its citizens precisely the same as its own. 

2. NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, was founded on April 4, 1949, in reaction to the Soviet Union's increasing threat in the early phases of the Cold War. The main goal was to establish a system of collective defense in which an attack on one member was seen as an attack on all. Article 5 of the NATO treaty enshrines this idea. NATO has changed a lot since its founding. NATO began with 12 member nations and, as of 2021, has grown to 30 members. NATO remained relevant after the Cold War ended and the Soviet Union collapsed. Rather, it adjusted to new security issues like regional conflicts and cyber threats. 

The Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP), which places multinational battlegroups in Eastern Europe to deter aggression, and the NATO Response Force (NRF), which is intended to deploy swiftly in response to developing crises, are two of NATO's ongoing programs. In order to promote military cooperation and communication, NATO has also formed alliances with non-member nations under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) initiative. 

3. G20

The governments and central bank governors of 20 major economies participate in an international conference known as the Group of Twenty, or G20. It was established in 1999 with the intention of researching, evaluating, and encouraging high-level discourse on policy matters related to the advancement of global financial stability. It aims to tackle problems that are outside the purview of any one institution. Since their first meeting in 2008, the G20 has held separate meetings for finance ministers and central bank governors in addition to the heads of state or government who have periodically met at summits.

A number of international organizations that offer policy expertise assist G20 members in their work. Additionally, the G20 often interacts with non-governmental organizations. Major events are held throughout the year by engagement groups from business (B20), civil society (C20), labor (L20), think tanks (T20), and youth (Y20), the results of which will inform the discussions of G20 leaders. Between 2009 and 2010, the leaders of the G20 countries convened semi-annually at G20 summits. Every G20 summit since the November 2011 Cannes meeting has taken place once a year.

4. BRICS

The five G-20 members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—are all prominent developing or recently industrialized nations that stand out for having sizable, occasionally rapidly expanding economies and a big say in regional affairs. Prior to South Africa's inclusion in 2010, the first four were referred to as "BRIC" (or "the BRICs"). All five of the BRICS nations are among the top 25 in the world by population, and together they account for half of the global population. 

The BRICS states founded the global development bank known as the New Development Bank (NDB), which was formerly known as the BRICS Development Bank. China's Shanghai is home to the bank's headquarters. Johannesburg, South Africa, will host the opening of the NDB's first regional office.

5. ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on August 8, 1967, when Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand signed the Bangkok Declaration. The group seeks to advance economic cooperation, peace, and stability in the region. ASEAN now has ten member states. One of the key pillars of ASEAN's initiatives to preserve regional peace and stability is the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). The TAC, which was signed in 1976, places a strong emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution, non-interference in domestic matters, and respect for one another's sovereignty. ASEAN's dedication to regional cooperation and concord is emphasized by this pact.

Through a number of strategies, ASEAN has played a significant role in promoting regional stability. While the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) promotes defense cooperation, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) offers a forum for discussion on security-related matters. Furthermore, ASEAN has been instrumental in resolving disputes and advancing diplomatic solutions around the region.

6. SAARC 

The geopolitical union and regional international organization of South Asian countries is called the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Its member states include. SAARC accounts for 3.8% of the global economy, 21% of the world's population, and 3% of the world's land area. SAARC was established on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Kathmandu, Nepal, is home to its secretariat. The group encourages the growth of regional and economic cooperation. In 2006, it established the South Asian Free Trade Area. SAARC has established contacts with international organizations, such as the European Union, and maintains permanent diplomatic relations at the UN as an observer.

7. OPEC 

The founding five members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)—Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela—formed the 13-nation intergovernmental organization in Baghdad in 1960. Since 1965, its headquarters have been in Vienna. With countries accounting for an estimated 42% of worldwide oil output and 73% of global oil reserves, OPEC has a significant impact on global oil prices, which were previously set by international oil companies with a preponderance of American companies.

The six Middle Eastern nations that encircle the oil-rich Persian Gulf account for two-thirds of OPEC's oil production and reserves. OPEC's establishment signaled a shift toward national sovereignty over natural resources, and its choices now significantly influence international relations and the world oil market.

8. OECD 

Established in 1960 to promote global commerce and economic advancement, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organization with 35 member nations, headquartered at Paris, France. Promoting policies that will enhance the economic and social well-being of people worldwide is the OECD's purpose. It is a group of nations that identify as being dedicated to democracy and the market economy. It offers a forum for comparing policy experiences, looking for solutions to shared issues, identifying best practices, and coordinating the national and international policies of its members.

Bibliography

Political and Security Groupings: NATO, ASEAN, and the OSCE • PolSci Institute

Important Regional Organizations and Blocs - Civilsdaily

The EU - what it is and what it does