Economic Commissions, Regional

Abstract

Economic and social questions are clearly reflected in the institutions of the United Nations. This is in contrast to the structure of League of Nations, and is due to the historical experience which has led to an increased awareness of the importance of these issues for international peace and security. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) most clearly manifests this development. However, UN system provides only a very limited regional sub-structure. ECOSOC followed the recommendation and established both commissions: Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE). Members of these regional economic commissions are the UN member states of the respective regions, often in company with other UN member states, which join them either as full members or as observers. The objectives of these regional commissions are only vaguely stated, generally providing only that the commissions should strengthen economic cooperation in the region. Keywords: Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE); Economic Commission for Europe (ECE); economic commissions; League of Nations; United Nations