Fully indexed, the 1994 edition of the Yearbook is the single most current, comprehensive and authoritative reference publication about the work of the United Nations, other international organizations and related bodies. The book is designed not just for use by diplomats, officials and scholars but also by other researchers, writers, journalists, teachers and students. The year 1994 was a remarkably eventful one for the United Nations and in the conduct of international relations. This volume of the Yearbook details the activities of the United Nations, its many organs, agencies and programmes, working together to rekindle a new form of multilateral cooperation for a better world. It records the diverse and globe-encompassing activities of the United Nations and its enduring efforts to deal with the world's pressing concerns, particularly matters of international peace and security, disarmament, human rights, the settlement of regional conflicts, economic and social development, the preservation of the environment, control of drugs and narcotic substance abuse, crime prevention, adequate shelter, youth and the ageing and humanitarian assistance for refugees as well as disaster relief.

The World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization was established as an independent body by the International Labour Organization in February 2002, in light of the unprecedented socio-economic changes implemented by globalisation trends. This report explores how the ILO can help promote the objective that decent work should become a global goal. It examines six broad policy themes related to: national policies to address globalisation; decent work in global production systems; growth, investment and employment; constructing a socio-economic floor; the global economy and the cross-border movement of people; and strengthening the international labour standards system. The report also discusses how the ILO can respond to the Commission's call for the multilateral system to enhance participation and accountability and to make a full contribution to the building of a social dimension for globalisation.

Issued annually since 1946/47, the Yearbook is the principal reference work of the United Nations, providing a comprehensive, one-volume account of the Organization's work. It includes details of United Nations activities concerning trade, industrial development, natural resources, food, science and technology, social development, population, environment, human settlement, children and legal questions, along with information on the work of each specialized agency in the United Nations family.