What We Do

The UN DESA Annual Highlights report is a tool to communicate the contributions of the Department to the realization of internationally agreed development goals and shared social, economic, and environmental aspirations. It showcases the Department’s role in gauging trends, building capacities, and shaping solutions. UN DESA Highlights 2025 overs activities over the period of the 79th Session of the General Assembly (September 2024 – August 2025) and reflects the Department’s response to the set priorities and expressed needs of Member States. Seven (7) thematic chapters showcase how UN DESA put its expertise to the task of supporting Member State efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda amidst multiple, intertwined, compounding crises, building their capacities to respond effectively and shape a transformative recovery that builds their resilience for the future. The report also showcases four (4) cross-cutting approaches used by the Department to attain the expected results.

Read the UN DESA Annual Highlights 2025 (download PDF)

Intergovernmental Support

By facilitating major global conferences and summits in the economic, social and environmental fields, as mandated by UN Member States, UN DESA assists countries as they find common ground, set norms, and take decisive steps forward.

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Analysis

As the think tank of the UN, DESA, generates, analyses and compiles a wide range of economic, social and environmental data and statistics to inform and advise Member States and other stakeholders as they take stock of trends and policy options to tackle common problems.

Capacity Building

DESA supports Member States in translating global commitments into local action.

Our capacity development support is tightly integrated into our analytical work and stems from decisions made during global intergovernmental processes and conferences.

The overall objective is to strengthen a government’s capacities to address the complex economic, social, and environmental challenges that the world is currently facing.

In close collaboration with the Resident Coordinator (RC) system and Member States, DESA explores the right delivery method on a case-by-case basis to ensure meaningful and long-lasting change.Our support may be delivered through advisory services, training, short-term assistance with urgent policy challenges, as well as longer-term projects and programmes that combine in-person training and digital engagement.

Learn more about our longer-term capacity development projects around the world.

The Digital Learning Centre (DLC) is a curated repository of some of the Department's e-learning, featuring many proven tools for implementing the 2030 Agenda. The DLC offers its self-paced courses free of charge to the public.

Visit DESA’s Capacity Development site for details on the types of support we provide and an overview of current and past projects. Interested national entities, RC Offices and partners can also contact us.

Interested national entities, Resident Coordinator Offices and partners can also contact us through the Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO) with questions or suggestions on how UN DESA could support their work.

Learn more about how to work with us and request our support.