Dynamizing dialogue.

• Author: Gorita, Ion
• Position: Coordination of UN social and economic programs through the Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Perspective: The Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) becomes the focal point for coordinating activities in these sectors.

As a result of the reform process of the United Nations, the Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) becomes the central element for coordination of economic and social activities of the system. It concentrates the major responsibilities of the previous three economic departments - sustainable development, economic and social policy analysis, and management services. DESA offers a great opportunity for coherence and comprehensiveness of the approach of development activities of the United Nations. Key elements for development sustainability and analysis of economic and social evolutions and management are now under a unique coordination.

Recognizing the importance of the new Department, and confident in its capacities, I would like to make some suggestions for its future activities which are in line with the spirit of the reform process:

* DESA could promote and support the dynamism of the economic debate within the United Nations by new and innovative means. Promoting dialogue and exchange of information with international institutions and organizations, as well as with private sector representatives involved in the globalization process, could become a permanent practice of the Department and the bodies under its coordination. The good experience of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as of other participants in the sessions of the Commission on Sustainable Development and the Commission on the Status of Women, could be extended to all functional Commissions of the Economic and Social Council;

* At the same time, DESA could make better known outside the United Nations system the results and conclusions of the debate in the economic, social and related fields. The cooperation with institutions and major actors in the globalization process should become a two-way road;

* Coordination of the follow-up of the major United Nations conferences could be strengthened, drawing lessons from the experience in the last two years. Periodically, this issue could be revised in joint meetings of the Second and Third Committees of the General Assembly. The inputs from Governments - data, experience and suggestions - are essential for the success of the coordination;

* The World Economic and Social Survey, as well as regional economic surveys, should remain reference documents for the United Nations...