The Economic and Social Council today adopted without a vote a resolution concerning the Commission on the Status of Women, even as many delegates regretted that the text missed opportunities for a genuine revitalization of that body.
The Economic and Social Council commenced its 2026 session today, and as Canada handed its presidency to Nepal, speakers pointed to the important role that the organ must play in responding to the myriad challenges of the moment.
Following panel discussions on how the United Nations and its Member States can advance multilateral cooperation in a changing world, the Economic and Social Council today concluded its high-level segment with the adoption of a ministerial declaration in which world leaders pledged to “reach the furthest behind first”.
Amid growing inequality, escalating climate threats, persistent poverty, and widening digital divides, world leaders today warned that sustainable development remains critically off track — underscored by a staggering $4 trillion annual financing gap. At the conclusion of the High-level Political Forum held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, Member States adopted a ministerial declaration reaffirming the international community’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
While trumpeting the virtues of multilateralism, speakers in the Economic and Social Council’s high-level segment today warned that the principle is under attack as conflict and one-sided economic policies threaten to obstruct — or, in some cases, reverse — development gains as 2030 draws near.
With just five years remaining to meet the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, progress is uneven — and in many areas, dangerously off track — amid shrinking national budgets, rising nationalism, and trade-disrupting tariffs, speakers warned today at the opening of the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council.
Nearly a decade since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 dedicated to achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls “remains the most off-track”, speakers told a United Nations high-level political forum today, calling for reinforced measures to accelerate progress against a tide of backsliding rights and opportunities.
With only 35 per cent of targets on track or making moderate progress — while 47 per cent lag and 18 per cent have regressed, speakers warned a United Nations forum today that achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains possible, but the window of opportunity is rapidly closing, urging immediate action.
Speakers and delegates addressing a joint meeting of the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission under the theme “Building and Sustaining Peace in Haiti” emphasized the urgent need for international support to address the conflict-ridden nation’s worsening security situation, protect children amid escalating violence and humanitarian crisis, and curb the illicit flow of arms while advancing a Haitian-led political process.
The Economic and Social Council concluded its two-day management segment today with a round-table discussion under the theme “Unity in Action: Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Implementation and Building a Better Future for All”.
