[UN Bodies] ECOSOC, UNESCO, UN-IOC- structure, functions, mandate
- D1: UN-IOC Sports for development and Peace
- D2: UNSECO and International literacy day
- D3: UN-IOC Sports for development and Peace
D1: UN ECOSOC structure Function
Q. Write a short note on the structure & function of UN-ECOSOC (100 words)
Since UN ECOSOC had released this Arab integration report (and it appeared in Hindu & Frontline) hence this “Chillar” body becomes super important!
anyways, let’s frame the answer:
Answer key points
Economic and Social council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principle organs of United Nations.
Structure
- ECOSOC membership is based on geographical representation. Out of 54 seats, specific quotas fixed for Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Europe etc.
- They’re elected from General Assembly for a term of three years.
- Four UNSC members – US, UK, Russia and France- are reelected continuously, because they provide majority of the funding to ECOSOC.
- Decisions by simple majority vote.
- Presidency changes annually.
- NGOs also given “Consultative status”.
Functions
- Direct and coordinate the economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural activities of the UN and its agencies; sends progress reports and resolutions to UNGA.
- Conduct studies pertaining to human rights, narcotics, population, demographic change, social development, status of women, role of sci-tech etc.
~130 words.
Answer Ref:
- NIOS Political Science Module: Chapter 32, Page 340-41
- Britannica Page
UNSECO & International literacy day
Q. Write a note on structure and functions of UNESCO and international literacy day 200 words.
- UNESCO (UN educational scientific and cultural organization):
- Specialized agency of UN, HQ- Paris
| General conference |
|
| Executive board | 58 members. Overall Management of UNESCO |
| DG & Secretariat |
|
UNESCO Objectives:
- International collaboration through education, science and culture interactions
- Promote values of UN charter: rule of law, justice, human rights, fundamental freedom
- Peace, eradicate poverty, sustainable development
| Education | For all |
|---|---|
| Natural science | promote curiosity and learning |
| Social and human science | To solve the social challenges |
| Culture | To foster Cultural diversity |
| Communication and information | To promote Inclusive knowledge. |
UNESCO: International Literacy day
- UNDP report says ~880 million illiterate adults in the world. 2/3rd of them women.
- On the 8th September, 1965, Education ministers met in Tehran, to discuss world literacy problem.
- Hence that day celebrated as International literacy day.
- 2014: theme “Literacy and sustainable Development”.
UNESCO celebrates this day to remind the world that
- Literacy is a human right and the foundation of all learning.
- To mobilize public support against illiteracy.
~219 words
D3: UN-IOC Sports for development and Peace
- UN and IOC has signed an agreement “Sports for development and Peace”
- To use sports for promoting peace and economic development.
- Features
- Joint sporting initiatives with help of International Olympics Committee and its allies vs. UN, its member states, Specialized agencies and goodwill ambassadors (like Suresh Kalmadi and Sheila Dixit.)
- Educate youth via sports: learn while you play
- Sports to increase interaction of margined society with rest of the world .
- In conflict areas like Syria and S.Sudan, Sports can help restore some normalcy.
- Sports can motivate children to enroll in schools.
- Sports can empower girls, give them leadership skills.
- Even HIV, drug abuse and environment protection messages can be taught via sports.
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