Yearbook of the United Nations

The Yearbook contextualizes all resolutions, decisions and other major activities of the principal organs of the United Nations and, on a selective basis, those of subsidiary bodies, and either reproduces or summarizes them in the appropriate chapter. The texts of all resolutions and decisions of substantive nature adopted by the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council are reproduced or summarized under the relevant topic. In addition to the narrative context, these texts are preceded by procedural details giving the date of adoption, meeting number and vote totals (in favour–against–abstaining) if any; and an indication of their approval by a sessional or subsidiary body before final adoption. The texts are followed by details of any recorded or roll-call vote on the resolution/ decision as a whole.

Most reports of the Secretary-General, along with selected reports from other UN sources, such as committees, expert groups, seminars and working groups, are briefly summarized.

The operational activities of the United Nations for development and humanitarian assistance are described under the relevant topics. For major activities financed outside the UN regular budget, selected information is given on contributions and expenditures.

Written communications sent to the United Nations by the Member States and circulated as documents of the principal organs are summarized in selected cases, under the relevant topics. Substantive actions by the Security Council are analyzed and brief reviews of the Council’s deliberations given, particularly in cases where an issue was taken up but no resolution was adopted.