The Grand Council (GC), a distinguished body within the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), holds a significant place in the international arena. Established in 1992, the GC comprises 34 member states, representing diverse regions and perspectives, and plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges. The GC’s mandate encompasses a wide range of issues, including the coordination of UN activities related to sustainable development, the promotion of international cooperation for development, and the provision of policy guidance and recommendations to ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
106 Names of GC: Unraveling the History, Significance, and Impact of the Grand Council
Member States of the Grand Council
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Benin
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Honduras
Key Functions and Responsibilities of the Grand Council
- Coordinating UN activities related to sustainable development
- Promoting international cooperation for development
- Providing policy guidance and recommendations to ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly
- Reviewing and monitoring the implementation of sustainable development goals
- Facilitating partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders
- Promoting capacity building and knowledge sharing
- Addressing emerging challenges and trends in sustainable development
- Ensuring coherence and coordination in the UN system’s work on sustainable development
Impact and Achievements of the Grand Council
- Played a crucial role in shaping the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Provided guidance and support for the implementation of the SDGs at the national, regional, and global levels
- Facilitated partnerships and collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders
- Promoted capacity building and knowledge sharing to support sustainable development efforts
- Addressed emerging challenges and trends, such as climate change, inequality, and urbanization
- Strengthened the coherence and coordination of the UN system’s work on sustainable development
- Contributed to the achievement of progress towards the SDGs and the promotion of sustainable development worldwide
Challenges and Opportunities for the Grand Council
- Addressing the complex and interconnected nature of sustainable development challenges
- Ensuring the effective implementation of the SDGs and monitoring progress
- Mobilizing resources and promoting partnerships to support sustainable development efforts
- Strengthening the coherence and coordination of the UN system’s work on sustainable development
- Adapting to emerging challenges and trends, such as technological advancements and global crises
- Promoting inclusivity and ensuring the participation of all stakeholders in sustainable development efforts
- Enhancing the impact and visibility of the Grand Council’s work
