Nepal's Triumph: Elected to the UN Economic and Social Council
In a significant achievement for Nepal, the nation has been elected as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The election took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, marking a new chapter in Nepal's engagement with global socio-economic progress.
The Election and Its Significance
The ECOSOC, composed of 54 Member States, is elected by the General Assembly from five different regional groups for a three-year term. Nepal, along with Pakistan and Japan from the Asia Pacific region, was among the 18 member states elected by a secret ballot. Other newly elected countries include Kenya, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Poland, Haiti, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
As an elected member, Nepal will serve in the ECOSOC for a three-year term starting in January 2024. This election is a testament to Nepal's constructive leadership and engagement in several UN processes, as well as its steadfast commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
The Role of ECOSOC
Established by the UN Charter in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations, the ECOSOC is a central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking. It plays a crucial role in forging consensus on ways forward and coordinating efforts to achieve socio-economic progress, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nepal's Commitment
Following the election, Amrit Bahadur Rai, the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, expressed gratitude to all the UN Member States for their trust and confidence in Nepal. He emphasized that Nepal would focus on recalibrating the leading role of ECOSOC in steering and coordinating the work of the UN development system and specialized agencies to implement the SDGs, as well as the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Looking Ahead
Nepal's election to the ECOSOC is a significant milestone that underscores the country's commitment to global socio-economic development. As Nepal prepares to serve its term, the nation stands ready to contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable development and to work collaboratively with other member states to achieve the shared goals of the United Nations.
