the rate of real growth for the Department of International Economic and Social Affairs was very modest indeed, given its extensive responsibilities over the next biennium with respect to development issues, the status of women, crime, new and renewable sources of energy, and so forth. However, the Group of 77 welcomed the reduction in programme requirements for consultancies and staff travel, and the greater share of resources devoted to substantive activities. 60. Mr. ANNAN (Director, Budget Division), referring to the study on the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs at Vienna, said that only some of the recommendations of the Administrative Management Service had been reflected in the budget proposals as they now stood. However, a task force had been established at the Centre and the results of its review should be available at Headquarters in time for inclusion in the next revisions to the medium-term plan. 61. Mr. GOMEZ (Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning and Co-ordination) said that, according to his information, the reduced resource allocation under section 6.5 resulted from the elimination of one temporary P-5 post, in accordance with a decision taken by the General Assembly at its previous session, the abolition of two further posts under the subprogramme on aging for which funding was no longer available, and the redeployment of resources to strengthen programme elements dealing with the status of women. With regard to follow-up of the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the I··· A/C.S/40/SR.31 English Page 11 (Mr. Gomez) United Nations Decade for Women and the Seventh United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, held at Milan, the Secretariat was not in a position to prejudge the issue of financial implications or the decisions which might be taken by the Third Committee. 62. Mr. MURRAY (United Kingdom) thanked the Director of the Budget Division for 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the budget and resource allocation for the Department of International Economic and Social Affairs, mentioning various themes such as development issues, the status of women, crime, and new and renewable sources of energy. This suggests that the text is related to international cooperation and development, with a focus on social and economic issues.

**Category**
Economic development, Humanitarian aid and relief