UNGA Votes Overwhelmingly To Elect Pakistan To UN Economic & Social Council

Pakistan was elected Wednesday to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the economic arm of the United Nations, for a three-year term, beginning 1 January 2019 that in the words of Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi was international community's endorsement of the positive role the country plays at the world body.

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2018 ) :Pakistan was elected Wednesday to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the economic arm of the United Nations, for a three-year term, beginning 1 January 2019 that in the words of Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi was international community's endorsement of the positive role the country plays at the world body.

In the balloting in the 193-member General Assembly, Pakistan received 175 votes.

Pakistan was contesting one of three Asian seats, which were unchallenged.

A two-third majority -- 124 votes -- is required for election.

The vote reflects the prestige Pakistan enjoys in the international community.

Talking to APP after the vote, Ambassador Lodhi said today's vote was a validation of Pakistan's meaningful engagement within the United Nations as well as its result-oriented contributions in the areas of international economic and social development.

Recalling the critical role played by Pakistan in the reform process of the UN Development System (UNDS), the Pakistani envoy said that as a member of ECOSOC, Pakistan will maintain focus on comprehensive implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution on UNDS reform - considered critical for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As a member, she added, Pakistan will continue to work towards strengthening the Council to make it more efficient, effective and responsive to the current social, economic and environmental challenges.

The ECOSOC, a principal UN organ, coordinates 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.