ABSTRACT
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has faced during its lifetime a dilemma in defining its relation with the General Assembly. In 2003, ECOSOC assumed primary responsibility in a few areas, mostly derived from its subsidiary bodies. The excessive ritual, or insufficient substance, in much of the carrying out of ECOSOC's broad mandates, was the result of ingrained habits, an excessive number of topics to be addressed in a limited period of time, and, sometimes, a perverse interaction between delegates and the secretariat, whereby the secretariat seeks friendly constituencies to support its reports. A significant function was derived from Article 71 of the Charter, which in effect designates ECOSOC as the gateway to the United Nations for non-governmental organizations. A brief organizational meeting was held, usually first at an informal level, followed by a formal session to approve the years' work program.
