Flists

Flists are a type of newsletter or informational packet sent to delegates, diplomats, and other officials within the United Nations. These newsletters are typically distributed on a regular basis, often daily or weekly, and contain reports on various topics, including but not limited to, agendas for upcoming meetings, discussions and debates taking place within the General Assembly, Security Council meetings and resolutions, as well as press releases from member states.

The purpose of the Flists is to keep delegates informed about current issues and developments within the UN system, enabling them to make informed decisions and participate effectively in the decision-making processes. The Flists often provide a comprehensive overview of the debates and discussions taking place,including quotes, statements and key points made by representatives of various countries during the UN meetings.

The Secretariat of the United Nations is responsible for compiling, editing, and distributing the Flists. The content is sourced from official UN documents, press releases, statements, and other public sources. The Flists are an essential tool for the officials representing the UN member states, providing them with critical information required to navigate the intricate and complex processes within the organization.

The term 'FLists' is derived from the second letter "F" of "France", as France, in a courtesy gesture, used to distribute written summaries in French and English to delegates, who found it extremely useful for keeping them informed and on the same page during the discussions. Today, the practice has been adopted by the UN Secretariat to create these comprehensive summaries.