31 July 1992

42nd plenary meeting

Restructuring and revitalization of the United Nations in the economic and social fields: strengthening the role and functions of the Economic Commission for Africa

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling the terms of reference of the Economic Commission for Africa, as adopted by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 671 (XXV) of 29 April 1958, and amended by resolutions 974 D (XXXVI), section I, of 5 July 1963, 1343 (XLV) of 18 July 1968 and 1978/68 of 4 August 1978,

Recalling also its decision 1991/302 of 26 July 1991, in which the Council endorsed Conference of Ministers resolution 718 (XXVI) of 12 May 1991 of the Conference of Ministers of the Economic Commission for Africa on the revitalization of the mandate and operational framework of the regional commission for Africa,

Bearing in mind General Assembly resolutions 45/177 of 19 December 1990, 45/264 of 13 May 1991 and 46/235 of 13 April 1992 on the restructuring and revitalization of the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields, in which it was stated that the regional commissions should be enabled fully to play their role under the authority of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, and that those regional commissions located in developing countries should be strengthened in the context of the overall objectives of the ongoing restructuring and revitalization process,

Convinced that the Economic Commission for Africa plays a vital catalytic role in the coordination and execution of intercountry programmes and projects aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and integration, especially by fostering the goals of the African Economic Community,

1. Reaffirms the continuing validity of the role of the regional commissions as important organs of the United Nations for promoting the socio-economic development of their respective regions;

2. Appeals to the Secretary-General that, in the context of the ongoing restructuring and revitalization of the United Nations in the economic and social fields, due recognition is accorded to the vital role of the regional commissions.