July 2006: The 54-member UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted a Ministerial Declaration during the High-Level Segment of its annual substantive session, recognizing “that full and productive employment and decent work for all…are key elements of sustainable development for all countries, and therefore a priority objective of social cooperation.”

The 3-5 July 2006 High-Level Segment convened in Geneva, Switzerland, to consider the theme “Creating an environment at the national and international levels conducive to generating full and productive employment and decent work for all, and its impact on sustainable development.” During a 6 July dialogue with the Executive Secretaries of the Regional Commissions on regional dimensions of the same theme, the issues of jobless growth, lack of growth, growth concentrated in certain sectors, youth unemployment and labor market changes in transition economies were raised.

ECOSOC’s coordination segment convened from 6-10 July to consider “Sustained economic growth for social development, including the eradication of poverty and hunger.” Participants also convened in a special event on Avian Influenza to hear from UN agencies that are preparing for a possible pandemic. Speakers stressed that it will represent a threat for years to come and emphasized the need to help developing countries to prepare for a possible pandemic.

During the operational activities segment, held from 11-13 July, Jose Antonio Ocampo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, reported that the effectiveness and efficiency of the United Nations development system at the country level has taken on a new sense of urgency since the 2005 World Summit. A humanitarian affairs segment, convening from 14-19 July, addressed topics including special economic, humanitarian and disaster relief assistance, during which speakers noted that the number and scale of humanitarian emergencies in the last year had presented significant challenges for the humanitarian community. The Council will conclude its work on 28 July.
Links to further information
ECOSOC Home Page
ECOSOC Press Releases for July 2006 Session
High-Level Segment Ministerial Declaration, 5 July 2006