UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC)

NEWS: The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will commemorate its 80th anniversary on 23 January 2026, marking eight decades of coordinating global action on development.

ABOUT

• One of the six principal organs of the United Nations
• A forum for international economic, social and environmental policy coordination, consensus-building and follow-up to global development commitments.
• Established in: 1945 under the UN Charter
• Aim: To advance sustainable development by integrating economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection, ensuring that no one is left behind

Key functions:

• Facilitates debate, consensus and innovative thinking on development challenges.
• Oversees functional commissions, regional commissions and expert bodies.
• Guides and coordinates UN development system, including specialised agencies and programmes.
• Facilitates debate, consensus and innovative thinking on development challenges.

Significance:

• Aligns global economic, social and environmental action.
• Connects governments, civil society, youth, academia and private sector.
• Uses convening power to restore confidence in multilateral solutions.