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2024 Handbook Introduction to ECOSOC and Report Writing Bodies
Topics
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
ECOSOC is the primary body that addresses the economic, social, humanitarian and cultural work of the United Nations system. It also has a mandate to coordinate the activities of United Nations technical and specialized agencies and programs. ECOSOC oversees five regional economic commissions and eight functional, or subject-matter, commissions. ECOSOC is composed of 54 Member States elected by the General Assembly for three-year renewable terms.
ECOSOC at AMUN ECOSOC at AMUN
AMUN simulates ECOSOC as a Special Committee on a rotating basis. Much like the General Assembly bodies, and unlike the ECOSOC report-writing bodies discussed below, ECOSOC’s primary initiative is to discuss the designated topics and produce, preferably by consensus, resolutions. A resolution will often provide historical context for a topic or issue as well as present a path forward for Member States and for international institutions. A resolution must be in the purview of the committee that passes it, and it must contain at least one preambular clause and one operative clause. For more information on resolution formatting, requirements and best practices, please reference this chapter of the handbook or speak with the committee Rapporteurs at Conference.
As an update to AMUN’s procedures and as a way to preserve student’s productive time and experience, AMUN has chosen to forgo ECOSOC plenary sessions. Similarly, AMUN has also chosen to provide a streamlined set of report-writing rules meant to better facilitate the work of the body.
A Note About AMUN’s Simulation Philosophy A Note About AMUN’s Simulation Philosophy
The Conference exists to provide a safe and educational environment where both representatives and AMUN Secretariat members can grow and learn. At the root of this is one of AMUN’s founding principles—to create the most realistic simulation possible by mirroring the beliefs and processes of the United Nations. Diplomacy is a tool with the power to change lives for the better. Our RWBs offer another perspective on diplomacy as Representatives work with a small group throughout Conference to build not a single resolution, but entire reports. Report-writing leads to a non-competitive and free-flowing exchange of ideas that ultimately builds an intensely collaborative environment and informs ECOSOC on the actions it should take regarding the complex international issues that make up the topics.
Report-Writing Bodies and their Role at AMUN Report-Writing Bodies and their Role at AMUN
Each year, AMUN simulates one or more bodies that write reports rather than resolutions. These bodies–which can be committees, councils, or commissions and which have various relationships to ECOSOC,–are generally referred to as “Report-Writing Bodies” (RWBs). These bodies have a unique function within the United Nations system, and delegates to these bodies are often subject-matter experts. Their role is to collaboratively produce reports on topics in their expertise, rather than to produce resolutions that define a specific course of action. Each body produces only one report on each of its topic, so collaboration and consensus-building in these committees is essential. Producing only one report also means that dissenting or minority opinions may be placed within the text of the document. Reports follow a specified format, but the length, content and complexity of each report varies. AMUN has adapted the format for annual reports for use in these reporting bodies. The time constraints of the simulation require a format that bears many similarities to those of the United Nations, but is not identical. Just as representatives familiarize themselves with their State’s positions, they must also do the same with the AMUN report format.
While RWBs are empowered to author resolutions, they are rarely empowered to make decisions in their own name; that work remains for plenary bodies. The main focus of an RWB is to create a report that functions as a recommendation for actions that may be subsequently taken by ECOSOC. Thus, it is important that the report contains a record of how the body came to its conclusions. This is the primary function of the report’s Deliberations section, without which a report cannot exist. The nature of a report often leads to a process that is highly collaborative and inclusive of all Members of the body. If the body disagrees on an issue, it is common to include all sides of the discussion in the final report, thus allowing for consensus even if not all parties agree on specific recommendations.
Consultative Session Consultative Session
Both ECOSOC and reporting bodies have available to them a special rule intended to facilitate their work: Consultative Session. Consultative Session is a designated period of time in which the Committee is still in session but the formal rules of debate, with the exception of Rule 2.2 Diplomatic Courtesy, are suspended. It is moderated by whomever the body chooses for the role, with the first Consultative Session usually being moderated by a member of the dais staff. Consultative Sessions allow for free and open exchange between representatives in a less-formal setting than is created in formal debate. It is an expedient method of accomplishing many of the report-writing processes and is typically also used to pass the Executive Summary, which is the final piece of a report.
Research and Resources Available Research and Resources Available
One of the most important resources available is the research and preparation done before Conference. This research can greatly affect a representative’s experience in the simulation. AMUN has several suggestions for how to go about researching a State’s position, history and culture. Information to aid in this research can be found here.
In order to provide a Conference of the highest quality, AMUN Secretariat members play distinct roles inside and outside of the Committee room. Inside the Committee room, the most recognizable resources available are the dais staff: Committee Presidents and Rapporteurs.
The Committee Presidents are experts on AMUN’s Rules of Procedure. They facilitate debate by helping representatives use the rules correctly to accomplish the work of the body. They answer all questions related to the AMUN rules. Presidents (and Vice Presidents) also observe substantive debate and keep track of the committee’s proceedings.
Rapporteurs assist with content in each RWB. Their role is to work with representatives as they write reports and to help ensure that the work of the body meets both AMUN and the United Nations’ standards. They also provide guidance on committee purview and will help representatives work reports into purview, should it be necessary.
AMUN also provides content experts outside of committee. Home Government is available to help representatives with several tasks. If a representative wants an in-depth review of their country’s position on the topics being covered in a committee, Home Government can conduct briefings to provide them the information they need to participate more fully in the simulation. Home Government also has the ability to furnish committees with roleplayers who provide information to the entire body as opposed to an individual representative.
Lastly, should representatives like to update the rest of the Conference on their progress, the International Press Delegation (IPD) is another resource they have for spreading information, be it through an AMUN Chronicle article or a Press Conference.
Topics
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
ECOSOC is the primary body that addresses the economic, social, humanitarian and cultural work of the United Nations system. It also has a mandate to coordinate the activities of United Nations technical and specialized agencies and programs. ECOSOC oversees five regional economic commissions and eight functional, or subject-matter, commissions. ECOSOC is composed of 54 Member States elected by the General Assembly for three-year renewable terms.
ECOSOC at AMUN ECOSOC at AMUN
AMUN simulates ECOSOC as a Special Committee on a rotating basis. Much like the General Assembly bodies, and unlike the ECOSOC report-writing bodies discussed below, ECOSOC’s primary initiative is to discuss the designated topics and produce, preferably by consensus, resolutions. A resolution will often provide historical context for a topic or issue as well as present a path forward for Member States and for international institutions. A resolution must be in the purview of the committee that passes it, and it must contain at least one preambular clause and one operative clause. For more information on resolution formatting, requirements and best practices, please reference this chapter of the handbook or speak with the committee Rapporteurs at Conference.
As an update to AMUN’s procedures and as a way to preserve student’s productive time and experience, AMUN has chosen to forgo ECOSOC plenary sessions. Similarly, AMUN has also chosen to provide a streamlined set of report-writing rules meant to better facilitate the work of the body.
A Note About AMUN’s Simulation Philosophy A Note About AMUN’s Simulation Philosophy
The Conference exists to provide a safe and educational environment where both representatives and AMUN Secretariat members can grow and learn. At the root of this is one of AMUN’s founding principles—to create the most realistic simulation possible by mirroring the beliefs and processes of the United Nations. Diplomacy is a tool with the power to change lives for the better. Our RWBs offer another perspective on diplomacy as Representatives work with a small group throughout Conference to build not a single resolution, but entire reports. Report-writing leads to a non-competitive and free-flowing exchange of ideas that ultimately builds an intensely collaborative environment and informs ECOSOC on the actions it should take regarding the complex international issues that make up the topics.
Report-Writing Bodies and their Role at AMUN Report-Writing Bodies and their Role at AMUN
Each year, AMUN simulates one or more bodies that write reports rather than resolutions. These bodies–which can be committees, councils, or commissions and which have various relationships to ECOSOC,–are generally referred to as “Report-Writing Bodies” (RWBs). These bodies have a unique function within the United Nations system, and delegates to these bodies are often subject-matter experts. Their role is to collaboratively produce reports on topics in their expertise, rather than to produce resolutions that define a specific course of action. Each body produces only one report on each of its topic, so collaboration and consensus-building in these committees is essential. Producing only one report also means that dissenting or minority opinions may be placed within the text of the document. Reports follow a specified format, but the length, content and complexity of each report varies. AMUN has adapted the format for annual reports for use in these reporting bodies. The time constraints of the simulation require a format that bears many similarities to those of the United Nations, but is not identical. Just as representatives familiarize themselves with their State’s positions, they must also do the same with the AMUN report format.
While RWBs are empowered to author resolutions, they are rarely empowered to make decisions in their own name; that work remains for plenary bodies. The main focus of an RWB is to create a report that functions as a recommendation for actions that may be subsequently taken by ECOSOC. Thus, it is important that the report contains a record of how the body came to its conclusions. This is the primary function of the report’s Deliberations section, without which a report cannot exist. The nature of a report often leads to a process that is highly collaborative and inclusive of all Members of the body. If the body disagrees on an issue, it is common to include all sides of the discussion in the final report, thus allowing for consensus even if not all parties agree on specific recommendations.
Consultative Session Consultative Session
Both ECOSOC and reporting bodies have available to them a special rule intended to facilitate their work: Consultative Session. Consultative Session is a designated period of time in which the Committee is still in session but the formal rules of debate, with the exception of Rule 2.2 Diplomatic Courtesy, are suspended. It is moderated by whomever the body chooses for the role, with the first Consultative Session usually being moderated by a member of the dais staff. Consultative Sessions allow for free and open exchange between representatives in a less-formal setting than is created in formal debate. It is an expedient method of accomplishing many of the report-writing processes and is typically also used to pass the Executive Summary, which is the final piece of a report.
Research and Resources Available Research and Resources Available
One of the most important resources available is the research and preparation done before Conference. This research can greatly affect a representative’s experience in the simulation. AMUN has several suggestions for how to go about researching a State’s position, history and culture. Information to aid in this research can be found here.
In order to provide a Conference of the highest quality, AMUN Secretariat members play distinct roles inside and outside of the Committee room. Inside the Committee room, the most recognizable resources available are the dais staff: Committee Presidents and Rapporteurs.
The Committee Presidents are experts on AMUN’s Rules of Procedure. They facilitate debate by helping representatives use the rules correctly to accomplish the work of the body. They answer all questions related to the AMUN rules. Presidents (and Vice Presidents) also observe substantive debate and keep track of the committee’s proceedings.
Rapporteurs assist with content in each RWB. Their role is to work with representatives as they write reports and to help ensure that the work of the body meets both AMUN and the United Nations’ standards. They also provide guidance on committee purview and will help representatives work reports into purview, should it be necessary.
AMUN also provides content experts outside of committee. Home Government is available to help representatives with several tasks. If a representative wants an in-depth review of their country’s position on the topics being covered in a committee, Home Government can conduct briefings to provide them the information they need to participate more fully in the simulation. Home Government also has the ability to furnish committees with roleplayers who provide information to the entire body as opposed to an individual representative.
Lastly, should representatives like to update the rest of the Conference on their progress, the International Press Delegation (IPD) is another resource they have for spreading information, be it through an AMUN Chronicle article or a Press Conference.