80th anniversary of UN Economic and Social Council to reaffirm its critical role in addressing today’s global challenges

“ECOSOC80: A Turning Point for Multilateralism”

23 January 2026 – 10 am to 1 pm EST

Live on UN Web TV

For eight decades, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the six main organs of the United Nations, has provided a unique platform for Member States, civil society, the UN system and other stakeholders to come together to address the world’s most pressing crises.

To mark its 80th Anniversary, a special event will be held on 23 January 2026 to celebrate the Council’s many milestone achievements in safeguarding people and the planet, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

The commemoration of ECOSOC at 80 will highlight ECOSOC’s contributions and legacy to sustainable development and global governance over the past eight decades; reaffirm Member States’ commitment to strengthening multilateralism and solidarity; and celebrate ECOSOC as a forum for inclusive engagement.

As part of the commemoration, an ECOSOC postal stamp will be unveiled, featuring artwork by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra that highlights the importance of humanity, our planet and sustainability.

WHAT:  Special Meeting on the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Economic and Social Council entitled “ECOSOC80: A Turning Point for Multilateralism”

WHEN:  Friday, 23 January 2026, 10 am – 1 pm EST

WHERE:

ECOSOC Chamber, UN Headquarters in New York

The event will be livestreamed via UN Web TV

WHO:

• H.E. Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the Economic and Social Council

• H.E. Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

• António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General

• Eduardo Kobra, Brazilian artist

• Sherwin Bryce-Pease, UN Bureau Chief and Correspondent, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

• H.E. Bob Rae, ECOSOC President for the 2025 session, and former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations

• Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

• Maria Dimitriadou, the World Bank Special Representative to the UN and Head of Multilateral Affairs

• Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

• Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive Officer, New Economics Foundation, and Member of the High-level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs

• Saru Duckworth, DPhil Candidate in Management (2025), Green Templeton College & Oxford Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

About ECOSOC

Established by the UN Charter in 1945, ECOSOC held its first meeting on 23 January 1946. Its mandate – to coordinate the economic, social, and cultural activities of the United Nations and promote international cooperation and development – has placed it at the heart of advancing the principles of the UN Charter. Multilateralism, inclusivity, and global solidarity have been central to ECOSOC’s mission.

ECOSOC has brought nations together to advance dignity, equality, solidarity and opportunity. It has championed human rights, promoted gender equality, and guided countries toward shared goals for a better future. The Council has also provided strategic policy guidance to the UN development system while fostering integration and coherence across its broad network of subsidiary and expert bodies.

Throughout its history, ECOSOC has served as an important platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking, bringing together diverse actors to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The Council’s work is enriched by over 6,500 NGOs in consultative status, and it provides civil society, youth, and other stakeholders a platform to contribute to intergovernmental policy-making.

For more information about the event: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/un80

Social media

Hashtag: #ECOSOC80

Media contacts

Sharon Birch | UN Department of Global Communications| E: [email protected]

Paul Simon | UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs| E: [email protected]