The Georgia Tech Model United Nations Conference

October 13-14, 2008

The United Nations, whose membership comprises almost all the states in the world, is founded on the principle of the equal worth of every human being. Kofi Annan

Committees :: View

GA 2- Economic and Financial

Directors

  • Christina Lee
  • Kristin Meagher

Topics

  1. Improving Trade Relations between the Global North and Global South
  2. External Debt Crisis and Development
  3. Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Development
 

Documents

Committee Overview

Purpose
The Economic and Financial Committee (ECOFIN) is the Second Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (GA). Traditionally playing the role of liaison, ECOFIN prompts cooperation between member nations, development bodies, and the financial organs of the UN. Primarily concerned with matters of international trade and debt, members of ECOFIN also deliberate on issues of global peace, security, and development.. With prevailing reform occurring in the GA, the Second Committee seeks to answer global economic and financial problems as well as support UN's primary agenda of promoting international peace.
Members and Voting
All members of the UN General Assembly are members of ECOFIN. Non-governmental entities and international organizations can serve as observers in the GA but do not have the right to vote on issues. Aside from the previous cases, any other issues brought about by the Second Committee of the GA can be decided by a standard majority vote.
Powers
Specifically, the Second Committee is assigned issues regarding international trade and global financial issues. The committee then votes on these issues and amendments are added to the proposition. The GA, as an entity, handles many administrative and management functions of the UN. However, the Second Committee, within the GA, specifically addresses financial issues.
Limitations
As a committee of the GA, ECOFIN is only subjected to issues regarding economic and financial agenda. Although, ECOFIN cannot pass bills directly, it does have the power to review, discuss, and vote on an issue initially, which is then subjected to the GA vote.