The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and serves as the central platform for reflection, dialogue, and consensus-building on sustainable development. Established in 1946 under the UN Charter, ECOSOC is the key body for coordinating international efforts across economic, social, environmental, and humanitarian sectors.
It is uniquely positioned to drive integrated policymaking by bringing together UN bodies, specialized agencies, Member States, and a wide array of stakeholders to advance the implementation of internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
ECOSOC's Role and Functions
- Policy Coordination and Review: Facilitates global policy dialogue and reviews progress on economic and social development.
- Implementation Oversight: Monitors and supports implementation of major UN conferences and summits on development.
- Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Includes input from civil society, the private sector, academia, and over 3,200 accredited NGOs.
- Programmatic Cycles with Thematic Focus: Each year, ECOSOC sets a priority theme that guides its high-level segment.
- Platform for Innovation: Promotes knowledge exchange and forward-thinking solutions for today’s interconnected challenges.
Recent Developments
The 2024 ECOSOC cycle focuses on "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda: Driving Multilateral Solutions for a Resilient Future," calling on all sectors to strengthen cooperation in addressing global inequalities, climate vulnerabilities, and the aftermath of economic disruptions caused by pandemics and conflicts.
WARBE DF’s Engagement with ECOSOC
WARBE Development Foundation (WARBE DF) has held Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2015, proudly serving as an active civil society participant in its processes.
As a frontline organization dedicated to the rights and welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers, WARBE DF plays a key role in advocating for migrant-centered sustainable development within ECOSOC forums.
Through this platform, WARBE DF contributes by:
- Bringing migrant perspectives into global discussions on development, labor mobility, and human rights.
- Engaging in ECOSOC-accredited consultations and civil society forums to spotlight the needs of migrant communities in achieving the SDGs.
- Participating in the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) and side events, with a focus on decent work, social protection, and gender equity.
- Collaborating with global partners to inform evidence-based, inclusive migration policy at the UN level.
Our work is deeply aligned with ECOSOC’s mission to build a more equitable and sustainable future—one where no one is left behind, including the millions of migrants who contribute to development in both origin and destination countries.
For more on ECOSOC, visit the official UN ECOSOC website