The ISO, established in 1947, is a worldwide federation of national bodies, representing approximately 90 member countries. The scope of the International Standards Organization covers standardization in all fields except electrical and electronic engineering standards, which are the responsibility of the IEC, International Electrotechnical Commission. Together, the ISO and IEC form the specialized system for worldwide standardization -- the world's largest nongovernmental system for voluntary industrial and technical collaboration at the international level. The result of ISO technical work is published in the form of International Standards. There are, for example, ISO standards for the quality grading of steel; for testing the strength of woven textiles; for storage of citrus fruits; for magnetic codes on credit cards; for automobile safety belts; and for ensuring the quality and performance of such diverse products as surgical implants, ski bindings, wire ropes, and photographic lenses. See: International Accreditation Forum

The ILO, set up in 1919, became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946. The ILO seeks to promote improved working and living conditions by establishing standards that reduce social injustice in areas such as employment, pay, health, working conditions, and freedom of association among workers. Headquarers are in Geneva, Switzerland.

The IOM assists countries in meeting individual needs arising from immigration and emigration. The Organization was established in 1951; headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.