The Work of the Economic and Social Council
The UN Charter established Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations. The ECOSOC aims to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It fosters debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. Each year, ECOSOC structures its work around an annual theme of global importance to sustainable development. This ensures focused attention, among ECOSOC’s array of partners, and throughout the UN development system.
The Economic and Social Council provides a global platform for inclusive and integrated policy dialogue, follow-up and review, coordination and stakeholder engagement in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and related United Nations Agendas.
To enable participants to:
- Familiarize themselves with the role and functions of the Economic and Social Council and its methods of work;
- Identify and assess the main issues before the Council;
- Gain a better understanding of the role of the President of the Council, its Bureau and its informal consultations in order to promote more effective participation;
- Analyze negotiation dynamics, based on case studies presented by international experts relating to the adoption of resolutions.
For more information about the work of ECOSOC, please refer to the following websites: