It deals with a diverse set of political issues, including UN peacekeeping and peaceful uses of outer space.

However, after independence was granted to all the United Nations trust territories on its agenda, the committee's workload decreased.

[2][3] The Fourth Committee deals with: items, the effects of atomic radiation, questions relating to information, a comprehensive review of the question of peacekeeping operations, review of special political missions, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, the report of the Special Committee on Israeli Practices and international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

Unlike most other United Nations bodies, there is no general debate at the beginning of the committee's work.

The committee also allows for petitioners, i.e. civil society representatives and other stakeholders, to address it on decolonization issues.