Pakistan was voted to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the United Nations’ economic branch, for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2024, with Ambassador Munir Akram praising the country’s “positive role in international diplomacy.”
Pakistan received 129 votes in the 193-member General Assembly, according to the state news agency.
Pakistan was competing for one of three Asian seats, along with Iraq, Japan, Nepal, and Tajikistan.
Election requires a two-thirds majority – 124 votes.
“We’re very gratified at Pakistan’s success in a highly contested election. Our success is a recognition of Pakistan’s importance and its positive role in international diplomacy,” the Pakistani envoy said in an interview after the election victory.
“We hope to play yet once again our active role in the forum of ECOSOC by fostering agreement on the structure and content of new, more dynamic and equitable structure of international economic cooperation,” Ambassador Akram said.
Pakistan, he said, would also help develop consensus on the measures for recovery from the current crises and revive the prospects of achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
“I also appreciate my team at the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations for their hard work and dedication in securing this election,” Ambassador Akram said.
“I also appreciate my team at the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations for their hard work and dedication in securing this election,” Ambassador Akram remarked.
“I consider myself fortunate to be able to represent Pakistan as an advocate for strengthening the UN’s development pillar, and I value the work of ECOSOC.”
Japan (127 votes) and Nepal (145 votes) were also voted to Asian seats. Iraq, with 50 votes, and Tajikistan, with 120 votes, were both eliminated.
Pakistan has previously served on the ECOSOC ten times, including six times as President of the 54-member body – 1952, 1957, 1975, 1995, 2005, and 2020.
The ECOSOC, a principal UN organ, coordinates the economic, social, and related work of the 14 UN 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.
ECOSOC 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.
