"Looks back and derives policy teachings on how to work together in the future". On 23 January 2026, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) celebrated 80 years since its inception as provided in the UN Charter in 1945 and its first formal assembly in 1946. This anniversary would be a good time to look back at the historical legacy of the Council and to re-establish its relevance in creating an inclusive, resilient, and progressive multilateral system. Being one of the six key organs of the United Nations, ECOSOC was established in order to organize the economic, social, and cultural activities of the UN and facilitate international cooperation and development. Since its establishment, it has been at the centre stage of promoting the essence of the UN Charter, especially the promotion of higher standards of living, social progress, and provision of solutions to global economic and social needs and challenges through collective action.

During the last eight decades, ECOSOC has been a remarkable global venue uniting Member States, UN bodies, civil society, the business sector, higher education establishments, and the youth. Its work has been developing along with the global priorities that are post-war recovery and decolonization, up to solving such problems as climate change, expanding inequality, humanitarian emergencies, and sustainable development. ECOSOC has taken a leading role in the past few years in developing the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, which helps in creating policy coherence at the economic, social, and environmental levels. The coordinating and convening role of ECOSOC in the UN system has also been reinforced in the past ten years as a result of institutional reform. The Council engages through its commissions, forums, and thematic segments in promoting dialogue, innovation, and consensus on the emerging global issues, and it also makes sure that follow-up is made to major international conferences and summits.

The 80th anniversary, the theme of which is a turning point of multilateralism, is also an era of global crises that are not resolvable by just a country. It also refers to the fact that solidarity, inclusiveness, and valid multilateral cooperation are imperative. With the UN system being challenged by complex issues in the 21st century, ECOSOC stands as a pillar in the international governance system, and it will continue to strengthen the need to address issues as a team to create a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world.