The contribution of the regional UN economic commissions to regional integration processes: The case of ECLAC

Abstract

This chapter deals with the role the regional UN Economic Commissions have played in support of regional integration processes in the past and explores their possible role in the future. Indeed, all regional UN Commissions (i.e. ECLAC, ECA, ESCWA, ESCAP and UNECE) have a track record of support to regional cooperation and integration in different policy areas, although there is some variation in terms of intensity, modalities as well as direction of this support. The regional commission which has probably been most prominent in this area is ECLAC. The role that this commission has played and is playing in this area is analysed in depth in this chapter, as it is a good starting point for a more general reflection on the potential role of the regional commissions in the future.