Which was the first specialized agency of the United Nations?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is recognized as the first specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1919 before the UN itself was formed. Its creation was based on the principles that social justice and human rights are essential to achieving lasting peace. The ILO focuses on promoting fair labor standards and social protection for workers globally, which sets a precedent for other agencies created later under the UN umbrella.

This distinction is important because it highlights the ILO's foundational role in international labor standards and its continued influence in shaping policies regarding work rights, conditions, and health. While other organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are also significant and specialized in their respective fields, they were established after the ILO, which positions the ILO uniquely in the context of international agencies working under the UN system.