15 April 2013: A UN General Assembly (UNGA) special event, titled “The United Nations and Global Economic Governance,” took place on 15 April 2013, at UN Headquarters in New York, US. The thematic debate brought together representatives of Member States and international financial institutions to discuss the role of the UNGA in interacting with international financial and monetary institutions. Speakers also highlighted the importance of these bodies for the global transition to sustainable development.

In his statement, UNGA President Vuk Jeremic stressed the need for “more inclusive and participatory” governance of the global economy. He drew participants’ attention to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the ongoing process to define the post-2015 development agenda, emphasizing the involvement of international financial partners to accomplish these goals. Jeremic called coordination between the UNGA and financial institutions a “strategic necessity” for transitioning to sustainability.

Jan Eliasson, UN Deputy Secretary-General, also addressed the subject of development, stating that “effective and fair global economic governance will be an important factor for the post-2015 framework.” He referred to potential agenda issues such as climate change and water, energy, and food security as needing strong economic governance to be dealt with effectively. Eliasson also spoke of the need to accelerate efforts to achieve the MDGs in their final 1000 days, and stressed coordination of the World Bank and the UN in this regard.

The day’s event also included a briefing by the representative of the Group of 20 (G20) Presidency, and two interactive panel discussions between Member States. [UN Webcast- Part One] [UN Webcast- Part Two] [Statement of UNGA President] [Statement of DSG] [UN DPI Summary] [Letter convening Thematic Debate]