The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the six main organs of the United Nations established by the UN Charter in 1946, is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue, and recommendations on economic, social, and environmental issues, as well as for implementation of the internationally agreed development goals. ECOSOC serves as the central mechanism for the activities of the United Nations system and its specialized agencies and supervises the subsidiary and expert bodies in the economic and social fields. It works to promote sustainable development, build partnerships, engage the youth in economics, and advance the integration of economic and social policies.

The main goals of the council include promoting sustainable development, coordinating humanitarian action, providing coordination and oversight, building partnerships, raising awareness on emerging issues, engaging with civil societies and youth. For Latin America and the Caribbean, where economic disparity, unequal development, and climate vulnerabilities prevail, the council is particularly important. ECOSOC encourages regional cooperation in the face of issues including poverty, income disparity, food security, and environmental vulnerability. In particular, ECOSOC takes on an important role in helping countries cope with natural disasters and social protection in case of natural calamities, especially Caribbean Small Island Developing States that are highly vulnerable to hurricanes and high water levels. ECOSOC advocates the use of science, technology and innovation to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. It encourages inclusive economic strategies that balance development with environmental sustainability, equality and cultural preservation.