PM’s speech at UN ECOSOC

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the 6 main organs of the United Nations system created by the United Nations Charter in 1945. It is made up of 54 United Nations members elected by the General Assembly. ECOSOC coordinates the economic, social and related activities of the fourteen United Nations specialized agencies, technical commissions and five regional commissions. It serves as a central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and for formulating policy recommendations for Member States and the United Nations system. Is responsible for:

Promote higher standards of living, full employment and economic and social progress,
Identify solutions to international economic, social and health problems,
Facilitate international cultural and educational cooperation; and
Promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In fulfilling its mandate, ECOSOC consults with academics, representatives of the business sector and over 3,200 registered non-governmental organizations. The work of the Council takes place through various preparatory sessions and meetings, round tables and round tables with members of civil society throughout the year, to discuss the organization of its work. Once a year, it meets for a four-week substantive session in July, alternating between New York and Geneva. The annual session is organized into five segments which include:

The high-level segment;
The coordination segment;
The segment of operational activities;
The humanitarian affairs segment;
The general segment.

The role of India in the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs

In his opening speech to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, Prime Minister Modi stressed the role of India in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Mentioning the role of India, he mentioned that India had also helped other countries to achieve their Sustainable Development Goals.

The event held on July 17 is of particular significance, as it was the first time Prime Minister Modi has addressed all members of the UN since India was elected as non-permanent member of the Security Council on June 17, 2020 (for the period 2021-22).
On June 17, 2020, India won the non-permanent seat for the eighth time with 184 votes out of 192 respondents. India became the only candidate for the Asia-Pacific regional group.
There has been enormous pressure for the country to become a permanent member of the five national groupings, including the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Russia and France.
The first meeting of the United Nations ECOSOC was held on January 23, 1946 in London.
India was the first President of ECOSOC in 1946 and the inaugural Presidency of ECOSOC was held by Shri Ramaswami Mudaliar of India.

Highlights of PM’s speech at UN ECOSOC

In fight against Covid-19, our grass-roots health system is helping India ensure one of the best recovery rates in the world,
UN was originally born from furies of World War II; today, fury of COVID-19 pandemic provides context for its rebirth and reform,
In our joint fight against Covid-19, India has extended medical and other assistance to over 150 countries,
said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday at High-Level Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council Session, 2020, via video conference.

“Today, the United Nations brings together 193 member countries. Along with its membership, the expectations from the organisation have also grown”
“From the very beginning, India has actively supported the UN’s development work and the Ecosoc. The first president of Ecosoc was an Indian. India also contributed to shaping the Ecosoc agenda”
“Today, through our domestic efforts, we are again playing a salient role in achieving Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. We are also supporting other developing countries in meeting their Sustainable Development Goals”
“India firmly believes that path to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity is through multilateralism. Our motto is ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwas’ – meaning ‘Together, for everyone’s growth, with everyone’s trust’. This resonates with the core SDG principle of leaving no one behind,”
“In India, we have tried to make the fight against the pandemic a people’s movement, by combining the efforts of Government and civil society”
“COVID-19 pandemic has severely tested resilience of all nations. In fight against COVID, our grass-roots health system is helping India ensure one of the best recovery rates in the world”
“Our ‘Housing for All’ programme will ensure that every Indian will have a safe and secure roof over their head by 2022, when India completes 75 years as an independent nation”
“Multilateralism needs to represent reality of contemporary world. Only reformed multilateralism with reformed UN at its center can meet aspirations of humanity. While celebrating 75 years of UN, let us pledge to reform global multilateral system. UN was originally born from furies of World War II and today, fury of COVID-19 pandemic provides context for its rebirth and reform,”
said PM Modi.