Source: News on Air
Subject: International Organisation
Context: The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), in its World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report, projected India’s GDP growth at 7.4% in 2025–26.
About United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA):
What is UNDESA?
- UNDESA is a core department of the United Nations Secretariat that leads the UN’s work on economic, social and environmental development, especially the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Established in:
- 1948 (restructured into its present form in 1997 through mergers of UN development and policy departments)
Headquarters: New York City, United States
Aim: To support countries in achieving sustainable, inclusive and equitable development by translating global UN commitments into national policies and actions in the economic, social and environmental spheres.
Key functions:
- Global economic and social analysis: Produces flagship reports like World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) to guide national and global policy.
- SDG monitoring and coordination: Tracks progress on the 17 SDGs and supports their implementation across countries.
- Policy advice and technical assistance: Helps governments design policies on poverty reduction, inequality, employment, climate action and social protection.
- Intergovernmental support: Provides secretariat services to the UN General Assembly, ECOSOC, UN Commissions and High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
- Global data and research: Maintains major development databases and statistical platforms used by policymakers worldwide.
Significance:
- UNDESA is the institutional backbone of the 2030 Agenda, ensuring countries stay on track.
- Its economic forecasts influence IMF, World Bank, G20 and national budget planning.
