About ECOSOC

• The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. 
• It is responsible for the direction and coordination of the economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural activities carried out by the UN.
• ECOSOC was established by the UN Charter (1945), which was amended in 1965 and 1974 to increase the number of members from 18 to 54. ECOSOC membership is based on geographic representation.
• 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.

Why in News?

• Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated at a high-level dialogue of the U.N.’s Economic and Social Council on the subject ‘Multilateralism after COVID-19: What kind of UN do we need at the 75th Anniversary?’.
• Outlining India’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Modi said that India has extended assistance to more than 150 countries, and helped set up a SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) COVID-19 emergency fund in the South Asian neighbourhood.
• He added that only reformed multilateralism with a reformed United Nations at its centre can meet the aspirations of humanity.