The sub-fonds are arranged by predecessor departments/offices.
- Department of Economic Affairs (1946-1954)
- Department of Social Affairs (1946-1954)
- Technical Assistance Administration (1950-1958)
- Department of Economic and Social Affairs (1955-1977)
- United Nations Office of Interagency Affairs and Coordination (1969-1977)
- Department of Technical Cooperation for Development (1978-1991)
- Department of International Economic and Social Affairs (1978-1991)
- Development and International Cooperation (1978-1991)
- Department of Economic and Social Development (1992-1992)
- Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (1992-1996)
- Department for Economic and Social Information and Policy Analysis (1993-1996)
- Department for Development Support and Management Services (1993-1996)
- Department of Economic and Social Affairs (1997-present)