Photo- Girija Adhikari/New York

UNHQ, New York — UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the role of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is indispensable in addressing the escalating global challenges of conflict, inequality, and the climate crisis.

Addressing a special ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York to mark the 80th anniversary of the Council’s establishment, Guterres underscored that the world currently stands at a precarious turning point, necessitating collective and multilateral efforts. Reflecting on ECOSOC’s eight-decade legacy, he lauded its function as an “engine of progress,” praising its contributions to the Millennium Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He specifically highlighted the Council’s historic role in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and decolonization, noting that its collaboration with over 6,500 non-governmental organizations has made the body increasingly inclusive. The Secretary-General expressed grave concern over skyrocketing military expenditures contrasted with declining development aid. He warned that rapid technological advancements risk leaving humanity behind and noted that climate solutions are not progressing at the required pace.

Asserting that no nation can solve these interconnected problems alone, he appealed for global solidarity based on shared responsibility. Guterres further called for a fundamental overhaul of the international financial architecture to better serve the needs of developing nations. His proposals included tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, alleviating the debt burden on developing countries, and ensuring their meaningful participation and fair placement within global supply chains and international financial institutions.

ECOSOC: A Pillar of Global Development — President Lok Bahadur Thapa Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, the President of ECOSOC and Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, described the Council as a “pillar of world development.”

Delivering the opening remarks at the 80th anniversary ceremony held on January 23, 2026, at the Council Chamber in New York, Thapa stated that ECOSOC has significantly strengthened multilateral cooperation. He noted that the Council fosters an inclusive spirit of dialogue by bringing together member states, the broader UN system, experts, civil society, youth, academia, and the private sector to find sustainable solutions. Recalling the Council’s inaugural meeting in London, Thapa emphasized that development is the very foundation of peace.

President Thapa argued that sustainable global peace is unattainable as long as poverty and hunger persist, asserting that the mandates for human rights and social progress enshrined in the UN Charter remain as relevant as ever. He addressed the severe challenges currently facing the world, including food insecurity, climate change, the mounting debt crisis, and the digital divide, expressing concern that these complexities are eroding trust in multilateralism.

Thapa specifically urged better outcomes for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Calling on member states to lead with determination, he urged that this 80th anniversary serve as a “decisive turning point” for global cooperation.

In his closing remarks, he reminded the assembly of the dwindling timeframe to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and reaffirmed his commitment to making the Council more inclusive and accountable with the support of all member states.