During the elections held on June 8th, Poland has secured its position in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the term 2024-2026, receiving votes from 177 member states in the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Membership in the ECOSOC signifies a continuation of Poland’s active engagement in the work of the UN and will contribute to further strengthening Poland’s position on the international stage. This three-year tenure in the ECOSOC completes Poland’s presence in the three main UN councils in recent years, including the Security Council from 2018 to 2019, the Human Rights Council from 2020 to 2022, and now the Economic and Social Council from 2024 to 2026. The guiding theme of Poland’s membership will be “Solidarity in Development.”
Poland views the economic and social issues on the UN agenda as key components of global, sustainable development, stability, and human rights protection. Currently, the needs of developing countries, driven by the pursuit of equitable development, are taking center stage in discussions about the future. Poland’s experience of sustained economic growth, coupled with efforts towards social cohesion and successful systemic and economic transformation, make it a credible partner for developing countries.
The Economic and Social Council is one of the principal bodies of the UN, accountable to the General Assembly. Established under the UN Charter in 1945, it plays a central role in coordinating UN activities for sustainable development based on its three pillars: economic, social, and environmental one. The Council consists of 54 members elected for three-year terms. Each year, one-third of the Council’s membership is renewed by the General Assembly.
Poland previously served on the Council from 1948 to 1953 and most recently from 2008 to 2010.