The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programs Working for Economic and Social Development

Human Rights Commission

Commission on the Status of Women

Commission on Sustainable Development

Commission on Social Development

Becoming a non-governmental organisations with accreditation to the United Nations

LINK TO THE UN'S ECOSOC WEBPAGE

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations was designed to coordinate the work of many of the UN's specialized organizations and agencies. The Council has 54 members, each elected to three-year terms, who meet annually for a five week session. The meetings alternate between New York and Geneva and generally include high-level discussions of major economic and social issues.

The main work of ECOSOC is done throughout the year by its subsidiary committees and commissions. These organizations include nine functional commissions (including the Commission on the Status of Women), five Regional Commissions and four standing committees. ECOSOC also shares responsibility for groups like the United Nations Children's Fund, the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women, and the United Nations Development Fund for Women with the General Assembly. Organizations including the World Health Organization, the World Bank Group, and the International Monetary Fund are also a part of the ECOSOC structure. For a more complete listing of the organizations within the Economic and Social Council, click here.

The Council, through its subsidiary organizations, is responsible for serving as a forum for discussing and formulating solutions for major economic and social issues. It also aids in the hosting of international conferences on issues of special concern.

One of the most important roles that ECOSOC plays within the UN system is its coordinating role with non-governmental organizations (NGO's) from outside the United Nations. The Council has recognized the important contributions made by over 1,500 NGO's from around the world and has, accordingly, granted them consultative status. Organizations with consultative status may send observers to meetings of relevant to their work, may submit written statements relevant to the work of the Council and may consult with members of the Secretariat. The Economic and Social Council is one of the best ways for outside organizations to access and participate in the United Nations system.