Letter from the Economic and Social Council (E/CN.6/2011/10)

This year's substantive session of the Economic and Social Council was marked by a high level of participation and engagement from Member States, civil society and the United Nations system. The interest by various stakeholders reflects renewed confidence in the Council as a forum for meaningful debate and discussion on broader development challenges and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

The Council made a strong contribution to make 2010 a watershed year for women through its Annual Ministerial Review. The Review, with its focus on gender equality and the empowerment of women, served as a bridge between the 15-year review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on the Millennium Development Goals in September. Several elements from the discussions and ministerial declaration adopted at the end of the high-level segment fed into the Summit's outcome document.

With regard to the other outcomes of the substantive session of the Council last July, I would like to highlight some of the important proposals made by the Council, which are of relevance to its subsidiary bodies. A list of the resolutions and decisions adopted by the Council specifically calling for action by the subsidiary bodies is annexed for your reference. The full texts can be found in document E/2010/INF/2/Add.1.

I would greatly appreciate it if the above could be brought to the attention of the Commission on the Status of Women for consideration and action, and wish to thank you for your continued assistance and collaboration in that regard.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.