A career diplomat, Mr. Sha Zukang became the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs on 1 July, 2007. As such, he headed the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which is responsible for the follow-up to the major UN Summits and Conferences, and services the Economic and Social Council and the Second and Third Committees of the General Assembly. He also chaired the UN Executive Committee on Economic and Social Affairs. Prior to assuming his position in the UN, Mr. Sha Zukang held a number of posts in the diplomatic service of the People’s Republic of China. He has varied experience with multilateral organizations and international conferences.  In addition, he has served as president, vice president, chairperson, coordinator and expert in many international conferences in the field of arms control, trade, intellectual property, social affairs, and telecommunications, among others.