Economic and Social Council

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, working with civil society, and engaging youth. The council is of great importance to the African region. There have been lots of civil conflicts and wars in Africa, especially with the current political conflicts happening, which corrupted the economic and social aspects of countries. ECOSOC is one of the main bodies to find a solution to this through collaborative incentives. It also emphasizes the need to address the agricultural, energy, and financial crises by instituting a flexible and efficient approach among global financial institutions. The Economic and Social Council puts a spotlight on  the role of science, technology, and innovation, as well as the cultural potential – as well as related national and international policies – in promoting sustainable development and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals.