Overview
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is a core department of the United Nations Secretariat, established to support global economic, social, and environmental development. It works at the interface of policy, data, and intergovernmental processes. UN DESA’s overarching purpose is to help countries achieve inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development.The department plays a central role in shaping global development agendas and translating them into actionable policy guidance. Its work underpins many UN-led processes relevant to governments, international institutions, and financial stakeholders.
Mission and focus areas
UN DESA’s mission is to promote sustainable development through evidence-based policy analysis, capacity-building, and support to intergovernmental decision-making. It is a key custodian of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Core focus areas include sustainable economic growth, social inclusion, public institutions, population dynamics, and environmental sustainability. UN DESA contributes to sustainable finance and ESG-related decision-making by providing authoritative data, global indicators, and policy frameworks that inform risk assessment, long-term value creation, and development-aligned investment strategies.
Structure and governance
UN DESA operates within the UN Secretariat and is led by an Under-Secretary-General appointed by the UN Secretary-General. It is organised into specialised divisions covering areas such as sustainable development, social policy, population, statistics, and public administration.The department works closely with UN member states, other UN entities, international organisations, and expert bodies. Its governance is embedded in formal UN processes, including reporting to and servicing intergovernmental forums such as the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Programs and offerings
UN DESA produces a wide range of outputs, including global flagship reports, statistical databases, policy briefs, and analytical tools. These resources are widely used by governments, development banks, researchers, and sustainability practitioners.The department also convenes high-level forums, expert meetings, and capacity-building programmes that support policy implementation. Its data and frameworks are particularly valuable for finance professionals seeking credible, internationally recognised inputs on development trends, SDG alignment, and long-term sustainability risks and opportunities.
