Economic and Social Council

The General Assembly today adopted several texts, including one that urged Member States to strengthen health systems towards the provision of equitable universal health coverage.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the opening of the Economic and Social Council’s Operational Activities for Development Segment for 2026, in New York today:

Safeguard open access for emerging technologies, leading scientists from around the world underscored today at a United Nations forum on how their work can support development.

The crucial question about artificial intelligence is not how powerful it is, but who it is being designed for, the United Nations heard today from a scientist whose life and work experience spans multiple continents.

The Economic and Social Council’s Forum on Financing for Development Follow-up concluded today with Member States reaffirming the 2025 Sevilla Commitment as the renewed global framework for financing sustainable development and for closing the estimated $4 trillion annual financing gap.

The Forum on Financing for Development continued its session today with speakers emphasizing that unlocking private capital for sustainable development will depend on reducing perceived risk, strengthening domestic financial systems and ensuring that financing reaches local economies and communities.

The Forum on Financing for Development continued its session today with speakers warning that a tightening “finance squeeze” and a more fragmented global economy are narrowing fiscal space for developing countries.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the opening session of the 2026 Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing for Development Follow-Up, in New York today: