16 January 2025, New York, USA - The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) office in New York, in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), hosted an orientation course on the work of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at UN Headquarters in New York for new delegates. With around 125 attendees, the event provided diplomats, UN officials, and key stakeholders with an in-depth understanding of ECOSOC’s crucial role in advancing sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Marco A. Suazo, Head of UNITAR office in New York, and H.E. Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, Vice President of ECOSOC and Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing.
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The morning session focused on ECOSOC’s structure, mandates, and decision-making processes. Ms. Lotta Tahtinen, Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC/DESA), and Ms. Jori Joergensen, Deputy Secretary of ECOSOC (DGACM), provided an overview of ECOSOC’s working methods and functions.
Mr. Friedrich Soltau, Chief of the Intergovernmental Policy and Review Branch (OISC/DESA), discussed the upcoming High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), emphasizing its role in monitoring progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Further discussions on ECOSOC’s key segments were led by Ms. Sumi Han, Economic Affairs Officer (DSDG/DESA), and Ms. Evelyn Wonosaputra Programme Management Officer (OISC/DESA), who elaborated on the Partnership Forum and Coordination Segment. The last session for the morning was led by Ms. Patricia Chaves, Chief of the Inter-Organizational and Inter-Institutional Support Branch (OISC/DESA), wherein she highlighted the importance of youth engagement through the ECOSOC Youth Forum, underscoring its impact on global policy discussions.
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The afternoon session shifted focus to financing, innovation, and ECOSOC’s role in operational and humanitarian efforts. With Ms. Patricia Chaves moderating for the rest of the day, Ms. Mariangela Parra-Lancourt, Chief of the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch, and Ms. Caroline Lombardo, Chief of the International Taxation and Development Cooperation Branch (FSDO/DESA), provided insights into the Financing for Development Forum and the Council’s role in supporting national development efforts.
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Mr. Richard Roehrl, Senior Economic Affairs Officer (DSDG/DESA), discussed the Multistakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasizing the role of innovation in advancing the 2030 Agenda. Mr. Wook-Jin Chang, Chief of the Non-Governmental Organizations Branch (OISC/DESA), addressed stakeholder engagement, explaining the accreditation process for NGOs to gain consultative status with ECOSOC.
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Discussions continued with Mr. Matthew Hammill, Economic Affairs Officer (OISC/DESA), who spoke on ECOSOC’s oversight of UN operational activities, and Ms. Anastasia Carayanides, Chief of the Intergovernmental Policy Section (OCHA), who detailed the Humanitarian Affairs Segment and its role in coordinating relief and development efforts. The final session of the day, led by Ms. Sibel Selcuk, Senior Economic Affairs Officer (OISC/DESA), explored ECOSOC’s coordination with the Peacebuilding Commission and its support for conflict-affected countries.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive Q&A sessions, gaining practical insights into ECOSOC’s policymaking and implementation mechanisms. The event reinforced UNITAR’s commitment to equipping UN delegates and stakeholders with the knowledge necessary to navigate ECOSOC’s complex landscape and contribute effectively to global development efforts.
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