Economic and social council is one of the 6 principle organs which the united nations System established by the UN Charter in 1945. It consists of 54 Members of the United Nations elected by the General Assembly. ECOSOC coordinates economic, social, and related work of the fourteen United Nations specialized agencies, functional commissions and five regional commissions. It serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system. It is responsible for:
promoting higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress;
identifying solutions to international economic, social and health problems;
facilitating international cultural and educational cooperation; and
encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Once a year, it meets for a four-week substantive session in July, alternating between New York and Geneva. The annual session is organized in five segments which include:
1. the High-level segment;
2. the Coordination segment;
3. the Operational Activities segment;
4. the Humanitarian Affairs segment;
the General Segment.
There are nine functional commissions of the ECOSOC:
1. Commission on the status of women.
2. Commission on sustainable development.
3. Commission for social development.
4. United nations forum on forests.
5. Commission on population and development.
6. Statistical commission
7. Commission on narcotics and drugs
8. Commission on crime prevention and criminal justice.
9. Commission on science and technology for development.