India has secured victory in all four elections to Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) bodies at the United Nations. Former senior diplomat Preeti Saran has been re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR). The elections, held recently, also saw India winning seats in the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, and the committees on Non-Governmental Organizations, and for Programme and Coordination.
All the elections were conducted by acclamation, indicating unanimous support. Preeti Saran, a distinguished diplomat who previously served as Secretary (East) at the External Affairs Ministry, retained her position in the CESCR. With a 36-year career in the Indian Foreign Service, she has held key diplomatic roles in various countries including Vietnam, Toronto, Geneva, Dhaka, Cairo, and Moscow.
The CESCR comprises 18 independent experts responsible for overseeing the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This Covenant guarantees people worldwide economic, social, and cultural rights such as access to adequate food, housing, education, health, social security, water, sanitation, and employment, as outlined by the UN. Additionally, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations plays a crucial role in assessing applications for consultative status and reclassification from civil society groups, ensuring their legitimacy in UN activities.
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development addresses key issues in the realms of science and technology, examining their impact on development and sustainability. Meanwhile, the Committee for Programme and Coordination supports ECOSOC by reviewing the activities and programs of UN agencies on a sector-by-sector basis to ensure coherence and synergy in their work, as per UN guidelines. ECOSOC serves as the core UN body driving progress in economic, social, and environmental sustainable development initiatives.
