1 June 2011, New York, USA. The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) implemented a course on the Economic and Social Council for members of the Council at United Nations Headquarters in New York. This course was intended to help delegates to the Council become more familiar with the main issues before the Council. The participants were also provided information on the history of the Economic and Social Council and the Relationship of the Council with the other principal organs of the United Nations.
To this end, the course was aimed to help members of the Council identify and asses the main issues before the council and comprehend the role of the President of the Council, the Bureau of the Council and informal consultations in order to promote more effective participation. Mr. Jean Gazarian, UNITAR Senior Fellow, introduced the course by explaining the United Nations System and its principal organs. Additionally, he discussed the relationship between the Economic and Social Council and the other principal organs of the United Nations. Following Mr. Gazarian, Mr. Ahmad Kamal, UNITAR Senior Fellow, explained the history of the Economic and Social Council and discussed the economic sources of warfare and hostility. These economic sources identified the need for economic content in the United Nations.
The course followed a discussion led by Ms. Jennifer De Laurentis, Secretary of the Economic and Social Council. She discussed the functions and key roles in policy making of the Economic and Social Council. The course discussion was concluded by Mr. Nikhil Seth, Director, Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination. Mr. Seth offered deep insight into the Economic and Social Council’s rules of procedure. He further led an engaging discussionon current global and national trends and challenges and their impact on education.
At the end of the course, participants indicated that they were satisfied with the course and felt better prepared for the forthcoming on the Economic and Social Council. A member of the audience concluded: “The workshop was extremely practical and useful to my work and I will use the given information in future times.”