The world continues to recover from the global economic crisis. Distrust of economies of emerging countries, climate change and a higher cost of energy have created unparallel settings across the globe. Progress and access to education has become a priority, which is also the theme of discussion among more than 500 participants attending the High-level Segment of the 2011 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Substantive Session, taking place in Geneva on 4-8 July.

Attended by Executive Heads of the UN, civil society and the private sector, the event is focusing on the Annual Ministerial Review (AMR), dedicated this year to the theme “Implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to education”, giving attention to progress made at the national level in implementing the internationally agreed development goals and sustainable development.

Eleven countries — Bangladesh, Belarus, Germany, Malawi, Mauritius, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Senegal, Turkey and Venezuela — are giving voluntary presentations on progress made at national levels in implementing the internationally agreed development goals.

Two major reports will also be released: “The World Economic and Social Survey 2011: The Great Green Technological Transformation”, presented by DESA’s Under-Secretary-General Sha Zukang, and the “Millennium Development Goals Report 2011”, launched by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, offering new data on achievements and existing challenges in attaining the MDGs by 2015.

The 2011 session of the ECOSOC will include a dialogue with the Executive Secretaries of the Regional Commissions on 8 July; a Coordination Segment on 11-14 July; Operational Activities Segment on 14-18 July; Humanitarian Affairs Segment on 19-21 July; and General Segment on 22-29 July.

The event is being broadcast live on UN webcast and the ECOSOC video web site