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Viewed separate from the specialized bodies it coordinates, ECOSOC’s functions like those of other UN Organs include information gathering, advising member nations, and making recommendations. In addition, ECOSOC is well-positioned to provide policy coherence and coordinate the overlapping functions of the UN’s subsidiary bodies; it is in these roles that it is most active. REFORM Amendments To The United Nations Charter expanded ECOSOC from 18 to 27 members in 1965 , and to 54 members in 1971 . Through much of its history, ECOSOC has served primarily as a discussion vehicle for economic and social issues. ECOSOC had little authority to force action and a number of member states were concerned that its utility was only marginal. However, beginning in 1992 , the US and other nations began an effort to make ECOSOC more relevant by strengthening its policy responsibilities in economic, social, and related fields, particularly in furthering development objectives. The resulting reform made ECOSOC the oversight and policy-setting body for UN operational development activities and established smaller executive boards for the UN Development Programme ( UNDP ), UN Population Fund ( UNFPA ), and UN Children's Fund ( UNICEF ) which would provide those agencies with operating guidance and promote more effective management. The reform also gave ECOSOC a strong hand in ensuring that UN agencies coordinated their work on issues of common interest, such as narcotics control, Human Rights , the alleviation of poverty, and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. One positive impact of this reform was the manner in which the UN development system began to respond more coherently and efficiently to humanitarian crises around the world. Secretary General Annan's recent reform initiatives have attached considerable importance to further strengthening coordination among relief agencies. Another example was the ECOSOC decision in 1994 to authorize the creation of a new joint and cosponsored UN program on HIV/ AIDS . This program ( UNAIDS ) will bring together the existing AIDS-related resources and expertise of the World Health Organization , UNICEF , UNDP , UNFPA , UNESCO , and the World Bank into one consolidated global program, eliminating duplication of effort and enhancing the ability of member states to cope with the AIDS pandemic. It began operating in January 1996. FUNCTIONAL COMMISSIONS
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SPECIALIZED AGENCIES The Specialized Agencies are autonomous organizations working with the United Nations and each other through the coordinating machinery of the Economic and Social Council.
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