ECOSOC Creates Adviser Team on UN Development System Dialogue

An independent team of advisers has been created by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Bureau to support the ongoing ECOSOC dialogue on the longer-term positioning of the UN Development System (UNDS). This dialogue is in its second phase, and Member States will now develop proposals for strengthening the UNDS in response to the requirements of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The first meeting of the advisers will be held on 24-25 February 2016.

Héctor Cerna, Vice-President of ECOSOC, informed UN Member States during a briefing on 12 February 2016, about the road map for the second phase of the dialogue, which began in December 2015. A retreat will be held to focus on what changes, especially in functions, are required in UNDS to support Member States in delivering the 2030 Agenda (26-27 February). There will also be a workshop on UNDS functions, funding, and impact (21 March); one on UNDS governance, partnership approaches, organizational arrangements and capacity (5 May); and one on interlinkages between the ECOSOC Dialogue and on the proposals emerging from the workshops. There will then be an ECOSOC formal session on the conclusion of the Dialogue (1 July), followed by a retreat on the findings and conclusions of the ECOSOC Dialogue and the way forward (17-18 June).

As Cerna explained the team of advisers, comprised of 14 members form all regions and various NGOs will offer specific recommendations on the process. Its Co-Chairs are Juan Somavia (Chile) and Klaus Topfer (Germany). Germany is sponsoring the team, which will consult with Member States, UN bodies, NGOs and others.

Member States made suggestions on the dialogue, together with some concerns. The technicality of the discussions and therefore the need for the retreats to include participants other than Permanent Representatives was highlighted by Thailand for the Group of 77 and China (G-77/China), supported by Canada and the US. Kenya also stressed the need for an exact time frame for aligning the UNDS with the 2030 Agenda, including key deliverables.

The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) had referred to the importance of stakeholders’ contributions particularly in the areas related to partnerships and functions in a briefing for civil society on 10 February. Mechanisms for stakeholders' contributions are expected to be announced soon. 

For names of other members of the team see the UN Press Release.