Further review of the Implementation of Resolution 61/16 on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council
On 20 September 2013, the General Assembly adopted resolution 68/1, "Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolution 61/16 on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council". The adoption concluded over nine months of consultations under the leadership of H. E. Mr. Vuk Jeremić, President of the General Assembly, and H.E. Mr. George Talbot, Permanent Representative of Guyana, and H.E. Mrs. Bénédicte Frankinet, Permanent Representative of Belgium, whom H.E. Mr. Jeremić appointed as Co-facilitators for the review process.
Resolution 68/1 recognizes the lead role of ECOSOC in identifying emerging challenges and promoting reflection, debate and innovative thinking on development, as well as in achieving a balanced integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development.
The adoption of resolution 68/1 constitutes the most far-reaching reform of the Economic and Social Council since 1991. Among other provisions, it mandates the Council to provide substantive leadership to the system through adoption of an annual theme; stagger the segments of the Council throughout the year, with a work programme cycle beginning in July; and convene an integration segment to monitor and promote the balanced integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development in the work of the ECOSOC system.
The resolution also mandates that the Council will convene its meetings at United Nations Headquarters in New York, with the Humanitarian Affairs Segment continuing to alternate between New York and Geneva, while envisaging that ECOSOC could convene special or ad hoc meetings at another UN location to address urgent developments.
More Information
The New ECOSOC – Overview of functions and working methods