81 Years of ECOSOC: Russia Reaffirms Commitment to Multilateral Cooperation

The United Nations Economic and Social Council, known as ECOSOC, has completed 81 years since its establishment. One of the six principal organs of the United Nations, ECOSOC held its inaugural session in January–February 1946.

ECOSOC has remained the UN’s central multilateral platform for discussion on international issues of social, economic, scientific, technical and environmental importance. It plays an important role in advancing global cooperation in areas such as development, humanitarian assistance, public health, human rights, culture and education, environmental protection, and narrowing the technological gap between developed and developing countries.

The Council authorizes the preparation of studies and reports, makes relevant recommendations, and reviews the implementation of decisions adopted by major UN thematic conferences. As a coordinating body, it also examines and reviews reports submitted by its regional and functional commissions, UN programmes and funds, and specialized agencies.

ECOSOC also engages with non-governmental organizations across the world. More than 6,000 NGOs, including around 70 Russian organizations, hold consultative status with the Council. This arrangement enables them to participate in the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies.

Since 2012, the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development has also been convened under the framework of ECOSOC. Through this forum, 190 member states, including Russia, have already presented voluntary national reviews outlining their progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Since its establishment, ECOSOC’s membership has expanded significantly. Compared to its initial membership, the number of members has tripled and now stands at 54 member states. These members are elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms. On June 4, 2025, following a competitive election, Russia was re-elected to ECOSOC for the 2026–2028 term.

Russia has stated that it has played an active and constructive role in ECOSOC’s work since the Council’s foundation. Drawing on its long experience as a member, Russia says it has used the platform as an effective mechanism to promote global socioeconomic development.

Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international efforts within ECOSOC, preventing unnecessary politicization of the Council’s work, reinforcing its intergovernmental and multilateral character, and presenting Russia’s economic achievements on the global stage.