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📜intro to political science review

Economic and Social Council

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating the economic, social, and environmental policies and programs of the UN system. It serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and formulating policy recommendations to member states and the UN system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, as established by the UN Charter.
  2. ECOSOC is responsible for promoting higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress, as well as solutions to international economic, social, health, and related problems.
  3. ECOSOC coordinates the work of the specialized agencies, functional commissions, and regional commissions of the United Nations.
  4. ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and formulating policy recommendations to member states and the UN system.
  5. ECOSOC has the power to make or initiate studies and reports on these issues and to make recommendations to the General Assembly, to the members of the United Nations, and to the specialized agencies.

Review Questions

  • Explain the role of the Economic and Social Council within the United Nations system.
    • The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating the economic, social, and environmental policies and programs of the UN system. ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and formulating policy recommendations to member states and the UN system. It works to promote higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress, as well as solutions to international economic, social, health, and related problems.
  • Describe how the Economic and Social Council coordinates the work of other UN entities.
    • The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) coordinates the work of the specialized agencies, functional commissions, and regional commissions of the United Nations. This allows ECOSOC to ensure coherence and consistency in the policies and activities of the various UN entities, promoting a more integrated and effective approach to addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges on a global scale. ECOSOC's coordinating role is crucial for aligning the efforts of the UN system and leveraging its collective resources and expertise to achieve the organization's goals.
  • Analyze the significance of the Economic and Social Council's role in shaping international policies and programs related to sustainable development.
    • As the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) plays a crucial role in shaping policies and programs related to sustainable development. ECOSOC has the power to make or initiate studies and reports on these issues and to make recommendations to the General Assembly, member states, and specialized agencies. By leveraging its convening power and policy-shaping capabilities, ECOSOC can drive the integration of economic, social, and environmental considerations into the development agenda, promoting a more holistic and sustainable approach to addressing global challenges. Its influence on the formulation and implementation of international sustainable development policies and initiatives is essential for achieving the United Nations' overarching goals.