4.  he States Parties to the present Covenant recognize T the benefits to be derived from the encouragement and development of international contacts and cooperation in the scientific and cultural fields. PART IV Article 16 1. 2.  he States Parties to the present Covenant undertake T to submit in conformity with this part of the Covenant reports on the measures which they have adopted and the progress made in achieving the observance of the rights recognized herein. (a) All reports shall be submitted to the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, who shall transmit copies to the Economic and Social Council for consideration in accordance with the provisions of the present Covenant; (b) The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall also transmit to the specialized agencies copies of the reports, or any relevant parts therefrom, from States Parties to the present Covenant which are also members of these specialized agencies in so far as these reports, or parts therefrom, relate to any matters which fall within the responsibilities of the said agencies in accordance with their constitutional instruments. Article 17 1.  he States Parties to the present Covenant shall T furnish their reports in stages, in accordance with a programme to be established by the Economic and Social Council within one year of the entry into force 14 2. 3. of the present Covenant after consultation with the States Parties and the specialized agencies concerned. Reports may indicate factors and difficulties affecting the degree of fulfilment of obligations under the present Covenant. Where relevant information has previously been furnished to the United Nations or to any specialized agency by any State Party to the present Covenant, it will not be necessary to reproduce that information, but a precise reference to the information so furnished will suffice. Article 18 Pursuant to its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Economic and Social Council may make arrangements with the specialized agencies in respect of their reporting to it on the progress made in achieving the observance of the provisions of the present Covenant falling within the scope of their activities. These reports may include particulars of decisions and recommendations on such implementation adopted by their competent organs. Article 19 The Economic and Social Council may transmit to the Commission on Human Rights for study and general recommendation or, as appropriate, for information the reports concerning human rights submitted by States in accordance with articles 16 and 17, and those concerning human rights submitted by the specialized agencies in accordance with article 18. 15