United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)

The Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat is a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social, and environmental spheres and national action. The Department works in three main interlinked areas:

• It compiles, generates, and analyzes a wide range of economic, social, and environmental data and information which UN MSs draw on in order to review common problems and to take stock of policy options;

• It facilitates the negotiations of MSs in many intergovernmental bodies on joint courses of action to address ongoing or emerging global challenges; and

• It advises interested governments on the ways and means of translating policy frameworks developed in UN conferences and summits into programmes at the country level and, through technical assistance, helps build national capacities.