INDIA SECURES ECOSOC SEAT from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

INDIA SECURES ECOSOC SEAT

Context:

• India has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a 3-year term beginning next year (2026-2028).
• Securing an overwhelming 181 out of 187 valid votes, this election reaffirms India's strong commitment to global development challenges and its ongoing efforts to strengthen ECOSOC's role in advancing sustainable development.

INDIA’S ELECTION TO ECOSOC

• Election Outcome: India secured 181 out of 187 valid votes in the election for the ECOSOC seat.
• Term: India will serve a three-year term starting next year (2026).
• Previous Involvement: This marks at least the 18th term for India on ECOSOC, demonstrating its longstanding and active engagement. India previously served a four-term run from 2008 to 2020.
• Pledge by EAM: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the support and stated, "India remains committed to championing development issues and keep working to strengthen the ECOSOC."

WHAT IS UN ECOSOC?

• Main UN Body: ECOSOC is the main United Nations body dealing with sustainable development and economic matters.
• Role: It plays a crucial role in addressing global economic, social, and environmental challenges.
• Membership:
  • Comprises 54 members.
  • Members are elected for three-year terms.
  • A third of the seats are up for election every three years, ensuring continuity and regular rotation.
  • Representation from all 193 UN member states, chosen by the General Assembly.
• Functions: ECOSOC serves as a central platform for coordination, debate, policy review, and recommendation on issues related to sustainable development.

REGIONAL DYNAMICS & ELECTION PROCESS The election process for ECOSOC seats is structured by regional representation.

• Asia Pacific Region:
  • Four seats were up for election for this region.
  • Elected Countries (all endorsed by regional groups):
    • India: 181 votes (newly elected).
    • China: 180 votes (re-elected, term ending this year).
    • Lebanon: 183 votes (newly elected).
    • Turkmenistan: 183 votes (newly elected).
• East Europe Group (Competitive Election):
  • Three seats were available, with five contestants vying for positions (no regional slate presented).
  • First Round Results (requiring two-thirds of votes):

• • • Croatia: 140 votes (Elected).
    • Ukraine: 130 votes (Elected).
    • Russia: 108 votes (Forced into runoff).
    • Belarus: 96 votes.
    • North Macedonia: 59 votes (Eliminated).
• Runoff: Russia won the runoff against Belarus (115 votes to 46), with 23 abstentions lowering the two-thirds threshold. This outcome, where Ukraine surpassed Russia in the first round, highlights significant geopolitical dynamics.

INDIA’S POSITION & REGIONAL PRESENCE

• Commitment to Development: India's election with such strong support underscores the international community's trust in its commitment to global development issues and its ability to contribute constructively to ECOSOC's mandate.
• Regional Collaboration: India's election places it alongside its South Asian neighbors who are also current members of the council: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
• This regional presence can foster greater collaboration and dialogue among South Asian nations on shared development challenges and opportunities.

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