Why in News?

India has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2026–28 term. 

United Nations Economic and Social Council

• Headquarters: Located in New York, USA. 
• Established: Formed in 1945 through the UN Charter as one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. 
• Purpose: Serves as the main forum for discussion, idea exchange, consensus-building, and coordination to achieve globally accepted development goals. 
• Membership: Comprises 54 member states, with 18 elected annually by the UN General Assembly for a term of three years. Each member holds one vote.
  

Key Functions of ECOSOC

• Coordination Role: Oversees the functioning of 14 UN specialized agencies, 10 functional commissions, and 5 regional commissions. 
• Policy Advisory: Reviews reports from nine major UN funds and programmes and provides policy guidance to both the UN system and member nations. 
• Charter-Based Responsibilities: 
  • Promote improved living standards, full employment, and overall socio-economic development. 
  • Identify global economic, social, and health-related solutions. 
  • Support international cooperation in culture and education. 
  • Advance universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.