What is the ECOSOC Dialogue? (2014-2015)

In ECOSOC resolution 2014/14, the Council decided to convene a transparent and inclusive dialogue on the longer-term positioning of the United Nations development system in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the interlinkages between the alignment of functions, funding practices, governance structures, organizational arrangements, capacity and impact and partnership approaches. This is the first time that ECOSOC has been mandated to conduct such an intergovernmental dialogue on reform of the UN development system. The ECOSOC Dialogue process consists of both formal and informal sessions over an 18-month period, with the outcome of these deliberations serving as key input to the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of the General Assembly of operational activities of the UN system in 2016. The first phase of the ECOSOC Dialogue took place between December 2014 and June 2015 and focused on building a solid understanding among Member States of the current state of play in the UN development system as a whole. The second phase of the ECOSOC Dialogue was launched on 17 December, it is expected to result in the development of concrete proposals and options for strengthening the UN development system in response to the requirements of the 2030 Agenda.