Subject: International Relations

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) serves as the central platform for fostering international cooperation and sustainable development through its diverse functions and specialized commissions, operating under Articles 55-72 of the UN Charter.

Core Functions of ECOSOC

• Policy Coordination: Coordinates economic and social activities of UN specialized agencies and makes recommendations to promote international development.

• Development Agenda: Leads discussions on sustainable development goals and monitors progress through the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).

• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitates dialogue between governments, NGOs, academia, and business sector through various consultative mechanisms.

• Resource Mobilization: Promotes international cooperation for development financing and resource allocation across UN system.

Key Functional Commissions

Social and Human Development

• Commission on Status of Women (CSW): Promotes gender equality and women's empowerment globally.
• Commission for Social Development: Addresses poverty eradication and social inclusion challenges.

Economic and Technical

• Statistical Commission: Sets global statistical standards and methodologies.
• Commission on Science and Technology: Provides guidance on science, technology, and innovation for development.

Security and Governance

• Commission on Narcotic Drugs: Supervises international drug control treaties.
• Commission on Crime Prevention: Develops strategies to combat transnational crime.

Sustainable Development

• Commission on Population and Development: Monitors global demographic trends.
• UN Forum on Forests: Promotes sustainable forest management.

Operational Mechanisms

• Budget allocation of $2.4 million for UN system evaluations in 2024.
• Development Coordination Office (DCO) budget of $281.8 million for 2024.
• Annual reporting system through Economic and Social Council Official Records (ESCOR).

Through its multifaceted structure and specialized commissions, ECOSOC continues to drive the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster international cooperation, as evidenced by successful initiatives like the UNAIDS 2024-2025 program with a budget of $160-210 million.