UNITAR 2024 Orientation Course on the Work of ECOSOC
10 January 2024
On 10 January 2024, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Office in New York, jointly with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) organized the UNITAR ECOSOC Orientation Course. The course enabled members of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to acquire knowledge of ECOSOC's role, functions, and architecture, including the HLPF. Sessions included information on the Council's normative, legislative, deliberative, and stakeholder engagement functions of the Council. (UNITAR Documentation of the Orientation Course: PowerPoint Presentation | Recording 1: Morning Session | Recording 2: Afternoon Session)
ECOSOC Special Meeting: The Future of Work: Towards a Productive, Inclusive and Sustainable Global Society
23-24 January 2024 - Santiago, Chile
The President of ECOSOC held a Special Meeting of ECOSOC on the Future of Work Special Meeting on the Future of Work in Santiago, Chile on 23-24 January 2024. Discussions highlighted the need for investment in decent work, social protection, and overcoming employment barriers for vulnerable communities. They also addressed the role of technology, including AI, in shaping the future of work and the need to ensure that policy measures are in place to both equitably distribute the benefits of these technologies, and protect people and communities from the potential negative impacts of rapid technological growth. (Opening remarks by the President of ECOSOC)
2024 ECOSOC Partnership Forum
30 January 2024
TheECOSOC Partnership Forumwas held on 30 January 2024 at UN Headquarters in New York. Member States and stakeholders discussed innovative partnerships to advance the SDGs. The Forum aimed to generate recommendations to enhance partnerships for sustainable development and turn commitments into action. It also spotlighted various partnerships across the SDGs that are making an impact on the ground, while emphasizing the importance of stakeholders in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. (Statement by the President of ECOSOC)
2024 ECOSOC Coordination Segment
31 January - 1 February 2024
On 31 January and- 1 February 2024, theECOSOC Coordination Segmentbrought the ECOSOC System and Member States together to discuss transformative policies and actions to accelerate the 2030 Agenda.The Coordination Segment, held back-to-back with the Partnership Forum, highlighted the work of the ECOSOC system, its subsidiary bodies and UN system entities, including specialized agencies, in supporting Member States to implement the 2030 Agenda. It also provided an opportunity for further coordination and coherence in the work of the ECOSOC system. (Statement by the President of ECOSOC)
62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development
5-14 February 2024
The62nd Session of the Commission For Social Development (CSocD62)The 62nd Session of the Commission For Social Development (CSocD62)was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 5-14 February 2024. It addressed themes of social justice and digital transformation to create inclusive, equitable societies, aiming to eliminate poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also reviewed relevant UN plans and programs for social justice. The Commissionrecommended a resolution for the Council’s consideration to hold an informal intergovernmental interactive dialogue on care and support systems scheduled for July 2024.
Briefing on the Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the SDGs
5 March 2024
On 5 March 2024, a briefing to Member States on preparing for the 9th Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for the SDGs took place. Scheduled for 9-10 May at the UN Headquarters in New York under the auspices of the ECOSOC, the Forum focused on Science, Technology, and Innovation to reinforce the 2030 Agenda and eradicate poverty in times of multiple crises. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for evidence-based policymaking to drive transformative change and highlighted the Forum’s role in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing to advance sustainable development. (Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
The 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
11-22 March 2024
From 11-22 March 2024, the68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women(CSW68) was held at UN Headquarters in New York. CSW68 focused on accelerating gender equality and empowering women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. The theme focused on social protection, access public service, and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality. Governments, civil society, experts, and activists from across the world came together to agree on actions and investments that can have a significant impact on ending women’s poverty and advancing gender equality.
First informal consultations on the Ministerial Declaration of the High-level segment of the 2024 session of ECOSOC and the HLPF on Sustainable Development
27 March 2024
On 27 March 2024, the first informal consultations on the Ministerial Declaration of the High-level Segment and High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development was held by the Co-facilitators of the process, the Ambassadors of Dominican Republic and Norway. The Declaration is seen as a key opportunity to provide necessary policy guidance, build on the Political Declaration of the SDG Summit, offer in-depth assessments, and recommend actionable policies. (Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
27th Session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development and Innovation (CSTD)
15-19 April 2024
From15-19 April 2024, the27th Session of the Commission on Science and Technology (CSTD) took place in Geneva. Ministers, policymakers, heads of international organizations, and experts gathered to discuss leveraging data for sustainable development and strengthening global cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. They aimed to share sustainable, resilient solutions to support the 2030 Agenda and eradicate poverty amid multiple crises. The importance of data and technology in addressing global challenges was emphasized, along with the technical cooperation programs provided by the Commission and its Secretariat, UNCTAD. (Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
23rd Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA)
15-19 April 2024
From 15 to 19 April 2024, the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) held its twenty-third session in New York on "New governance insights to advance the SDGs and eradicate poverty." CEPA assists ECOSOC by reviewing trends and priorities in public administration related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The importance of strengthening governance systems in response to rapid technological change was emphasized, along with CEPA’s role in facilitating peer exchanges related to the VNRs. The outcomes will inform the work of ECOSOC's.(Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
Youth Forum
16-18 April 2024
From 16-18 April 2024, theECOSOC Youth Forumprovided a platform for young people to engage with Member States and other actors on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Youth’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges and driving sustainable development was recognized, highlighting their commitment, activism, and unique perspectives. The importance of youth inclusion in decision-making and greater representation at all policy-making levels was emphasized, encouraging participants to make their voices heard and drive positive change. Young participants shared recommendations and innovative ideas for the Summit of the Future. The Forum saw over 1000 in-person attendees and more than 13,000 remote participants, with representation from 83 Member States, including 36 ministers, 43 senior government officials, and 93 youth delegates.(OpeningandclosingStatements of the President of ECOSOC. Presidential statement)
23rd Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
15-26 April 2024
From 15-26 April 2024, theUN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)held its 23rd session guided by the theme, "Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," emphasizing the voices of Indigenous youth." with an emphasis on Indigenous youth voices. The Forum aimed to raise awareness and monitor the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The specific and intersecting threats faced by Indigenous Peoples and the planet were highlighted, underscoring the importance of Indigenous inputs in decision-making at local and global levels. Recognition and respect for Indigenous territorial rights, along with support for their efforts in land conservation and sustainable management, were emphasized for the benefit of all humanity.(Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
Forum on Financing for Development Follow-up
22-25 April 2024
From 22-25 April 2024, theECOSOC Forum on Financing for Developmentwas convened at UN Headquarters in New York to discuss scaling up financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The critical importance of this forum in advancing the implementation of the Addis Agenda and 2030 Agenda amid a complex global landscape was emphasized. The forthcoming FfD4 Conference was highlighted alongside the Summit and the Pact for the Future as pivotal opportunities to address systemic gaps and reaffirm commitments. Priorities themes discussed included debt and debt relief, concessional finance, financing social safety nets, and systemic issues. Additionally, a Special High-level Meeting with the Bretton Woods Institutions, WTO, and UNCTAD took place on 22 April to discuss external debt and reforming the international financial architecture.(Opening and closing Statements of the President of ECOSOC-FfD Forum) (Openingandclosing Statements of the President of ECOSOC-Special High-level Meeting with the BWIs, WTO and UNCTAD)
ECOSOC Events (May-July 2024)
Between May and July 2024, ECOSOC will convene other Forums and Segments, among them the Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum); the Operational Activities for Development Segment; the Meetings of the Management Segment; the Meeting on the Transition from Relief to Development; the Humanitarian Affairs Segment; the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) , followed by the High-level Segment of ECOSOC including the three-day ministerial segment of the HLPF on Sustainable Development, convened under the auspices of the Council, as well as the Organizational session to adopt the programme of work of ECOSOC from July 2024 to July 2025, and elect the President and Members of the Bureau of ECOSOC. The HLPF will contribute to preparing the Summit of the Future under the auspices of the General Assembly in September 2024.
ECOSOC and General Assembly Events
Joint Briefing on the work of ECOSOC and the General Assembly
2 February 2024
On 2 February 2024, a joint briefing by the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council highlighted efforts to coordinate their work in addressing global crises and advancing the 2030 Agenda. The imperative role of both bodies was emphasized as was the positive collaboration between the Presidents. ECOSOC, through its segments, forums, and events, along with the High-level Political Forum, will translate SDG Summit commitments into policy guidance and actions. (Statement by the President of ECOSOC)
First informal consultations of the General Assembly’s review of arrangements contained in its resolutions 75/290A and 75/290B and their annexes on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council and the review of the high-level political forum on sustainable development
15 February 2024
On 15 February 2024, the General Assembly held its first informal consultations of the review process on strengthening ECOSOC and the HLPF. The importance of a strong and effective Economic and Social Council was emphasized amid complex crises. Leveraging the Council’s segments, forums, and subsidiary bodies to translate SDG Summit commitments into policy guidance and concrete actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs is a priority. Consultations have continued under the co-facilitation of the Ambassadors of Guinea and Latvia to the United Nations. (Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
High-level Thematic Debate on Debt Sustainability and Socio-Economic Equality for All
15 April 2024
On 15 April 2024, the General Assembly hosted a High-level thematic debate on Debt Sustainability and Socio-Economic Equality for All during Sustainability Week. The debate aimed to assess gaps in achieving debt sustainability and its impact on vulnerable populations, especially in developing countries. It sought to identify local, national, and international solutions through partnerships and initiatives for socio-economic equality. It highlighted the critical role of financing for the SDGs. Bold action to build a development-oriented debt architecture was called for, alongside addressing gaps in debt sustainability.(Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
ECOSOC-GA Thematic Event on 'El Niño 2023-24: Actions for the Security, Sustainability and Resilience of People and Planet'
30 April 2024
On 30 April 2024, the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly jointly organized a thematic event on El Niño, highlighting its significant challenges and impacts on global development. The widespread consequences of El Niño on food security, livelihoods, and climate risks were emphasized, urging proactive mitigation strategies. Key disaster risk management approaches were outlined, including seasonal forecasts, resilient investments, and early warning systems. (Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
Other Events
Sixth Intersessional Meeting for Dialogue and Cooperation on Human Rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Human Rights Council
18 January 2024
On 18 January 2024, the Human Rights Council's Sixth Intersessional Meeting addressed leveraging the human rights framework to support the 2030 Agenda. Discussions focused on aligning the international financial, debt, and tax systems with human rights principles, involving member states, institutions, UN bodies, academia, and civil society. Emphasis was placed on bridging the “great finance divide” through equality and non-discrimination, prioritizing the most marginalized and ensuring no one is left behind. Reforming the financial architecture was underscored as pivotal for realizing human rights and achieving sustainable, inclusive transformations.(Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
High-level Ministerial Conference on Middle Income Countries (MICs)
5-6 February 2024
On 5-6 February 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco, along with the UNDP and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, organized a High-level Ministerial Conference on Middle-Income Countries (MICs) to address development challenges in a changing world. The conference brought together 36 MICs to discuss opportunities and and challenges to address their distinctive needs, including on addressing financing gaps for implementing the 2030 Agenda. It provided a platform for peer learning and knowledge exchange among MICs, Regional Economic Commissions, UN entities, and international organizations. Emphasis was placed on tailored solutions beyond traditional measures of success, access to finance, reforms in the international financial architecture, financing for climate adaptation, operationalizing the fund for loss and damage, and promoting South-South and triangular cooperation. (Statement by the President of ECOSOC)
Sixth Session of the United Nations Environmental Assembly
(UNEA-6)
26 February-1 March 2024
From 26 February - 1 March 2024, the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) was held at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. It focused on how multilateralism can address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of the SDGs and taking synergistic action was emphasized. Addressing these challenges holistically with a comprehensive understanding of their interlinkages is imperative.(Statement of the President of ECOSOC)
