Amplifying the voices of civil society

Established in 1946, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is a standing committee of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It is the main gateway for NGOs, as representatives of civil society, to have a voice at the United Nations. The Committee is composed of 19 Member States and operates in accordance with ECOSOC resolution 1996/31. 

New ‘Future in Focus’ review spotlights UN DESA’s foresight efforts

Our complicated modern era requires leaders to use foresight to make strategic choices to shape a resilient, inclusive and sustainable world.

A new report from UN DESA shows how its work provides policymakers with strategic foresight analysis and other tools to help them understand emerging trends, as well as leverage new opportunities for sustainable development. 

UN ECOSOC holds its 2025 Coordination Segment

The international community will come together on 6-7 February, at UN Headquarters in New York for the 2025 ECOSOC Coordination Segment. The Segment will address the main annual theme of this year's session of ECOSOC and the High-level Political Forum: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind”.

Applications open for the 2026 United Nations Public Service Awards

Applications are now open for the 2026 United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA). 

UNPSA recognizes excellence in public service at the national, sub-national and local level. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration worldwide. It promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of the public service.

Applications for the 2026 UNPSA are invited in four categories: 

Advancing sustainable development by 2030 and beyond

What has changed in the development landscape since 2015 that demands changes in how we approach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?  What lessons have we learned from the implementation of the 2030 Agenda so far? And what is needed from the international community to accelerate progress to 2030 and beyond, taking into account the current context and lessons learned? 

2025: A turning point for financing a more sustainable future

A turning point for financing for development awaits in 2025. With the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) from 30 June to 3 July 2025 in Seville, Spain, the global community is getting ready to ensure sufficient financing for sustainable development. Together, the Conference will chart a path to reform the international financial architecture to make it fit for purpose in a more crisis-prone world. 

UN ECOSOC: The way forward

The 2025 session of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will be critical in operationalizing the Pact for the Future and building on the 2023 SDG Summit. 

Experts unite to accelerate gender equality

Women and girls continue to face discrimination, gender stereotypes and societal biases dictating their place in society, their roles and their responsibilities. 

New report on international migration and sustainable development in time for International Migrants Day

Every year, millions of people leave their countries of origin to move abroad. The reasons and circumstances that motivate or compel people to migrate are diverse. Some leave in search of better work opportunities, to pursue educational goals or to reunite with family, while others leave to escape conflict, violence or persecution.

Turning global goals into local action

Capacity development goes beyond building skills. It is about empowering individuals and institutions to turn knowledge into sustainable action, innovation and resilience.