The co-facilitators of the intergovernmental negotiations on the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) review of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) have prepared a zero draft of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions. The co-facilitators will introduce the zero draft during the third informal consultation on 1 May 2026. Member States can submit written comments by 4 May 2026.
Developed based on an elements paper and following two rounds of informal consultations with Member States, the nine-page draft incorporates reviews of the implementation of UNGA resolution 75/290A on the strengthening of ECOSOC and of the implementation of UNGA resolution 75/290 B on the format and organizational aspects of the HLPF and the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level.
In a letter dated 9 April 2026, Permanent Representative of Barbados François Jackman and Permanent Representative of Malta Natasha Meli inform Member States that “every effort has been made to reflect and incorporate [their] views and perspectives into a balanced draft aimed at facilitating progress toward consensus.” They also note that the draft seeks to ensure consistency with the UN80 reform initiative.
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With respect to ECOSOC, the zero draft addresses: strengthening its role and leadership; its working methods; enhancing segments, forums, and meetings for greater impact; coherence across intergovernmental organs of the UN; support for ECOSOC Bureau and meetings; and implementation and review.
Regarding the HLPF, the draft focuses on its thematic sessions, themes and SDGs to be reviewed, reports informing the forum, regional dimension and local action, voluntary national reviews (VNRs), participation, and implementation and review.
A letter from the co-facilitators dated 16 April 2026 outlines the schedule for the process going forward:
- 11 May: circulation of Rev1 text;
- 18 May: reading of Rev1, with written comments and proposals due by 18 May;
- 22 May: circulation of Rev2 text; and
- 29 May: reading of Rev2.
The co-facilitators expect to circulate text to be placed under the silence procedure in mid-June, for the UNGA to adopt the resolutions in late June.
In the letter, the co-facilitators indicate that, in line with established practice, they will continue to “hold the pen while ensuring full transparency and inclusivity.” “Should the need arise,” they will, guided by Member States, “engage in text-based consultations, including, as necessary, adopting a line-by-line approach.” [Reviews of ECOSOC and HLPF at UNGA 80]