In 1946, the Department of Public Information (DPI) was established by the General Assembly through Resolution 13(1). DPI has employed many different forms of communication tools such as radio, television, and the Internet to promote greater global awareness and to better convey the mission and work of the UN.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) current structure and mandate was developed in 1997 as a part of the United Nations reform initiative. It operates as a member of the Secretariat as substantive support unit for the Economic and Social Council. The mission of the entity is to promote development for all, which incorporates equity and equality for all.

Gender Equality

The United Nations Department of Political Affairs was established in 1992 and in 1997 was designated as the lead entity responsible for diplomatic conflict resolution. DPA serves as the lead UN entity in support of peace negotiations and the implementation of peace agreements, which makes it very responsible in the implementation of SCR 1325.

The Department of Field Support (DFS) constitutes part of the United Nations Peacekeeping work, together with Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). DFS was created in 2007 to provide dedicated support to peacekeeping field missions and political field missions.

The United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations was officially founded in 1992, although the first United Nations Peacekeeping Operation was established in 1947 when the Security Council appointed a mediator and military observers to oversee the Arab-Israeli peace process. United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) is still in operation today monitoring the ceasefire and assisting other UN operations in the region. The Secu

According to Chapter XV of the United Nations (UN) Charter, the UN Secretary-General is the “chief administrative officer” of the Organization, and thus tasked to carry out duties and mandates delegated to him by United Nations organs including Security Council, General Assembly, and the Economic and Social Council.

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.

Source: UNPFII Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Contact information

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) was established on 9 August 1973 pursuant to the Economic and Social Council’s resolution 1818 (LV). The purpose of setting up the Commission was to raise the level of economic activity in member countries and strengthen cooperation among them.

Work on Gender Equality 

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region. With a membership of 62 Governments, ESCAP is the most comprehensive of the United Nations five regional commissions. It is also the largest United Nations body serving the Asia-Pacific region with over 600 staff.

The Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) -the Spanish acronym is CEPAL- was established by Economic and Social Council resolution 106(VI) of 25 February 1948 and began to function that same year.