The United Nations Economic and Social Council opened its annual Substantive Session on 1 July 2013 in Geneva.

During four-week period of the Session participants are to address wide range of issues in economic, social and humanitarian areas. There are two general themes of debates to be proposed for discussion: “Science, technology and innovation, and the potential of culture, for promoting sustainable development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals” and “The contribution of the Economic and Social Council to the elaboration of the Post-2015 Development Agenda”. Alongside the plenary meeting various panel discussions will also take place.

The work of the Ukrainian Part as an observer is being provided by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN Office in Geneva.