On the special occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), marking eight decades of global service, we are pleased to invite you to a special meeting entitled “ECOSOC80: A Turning Point for Multilateralism”, to be held on 23 January 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m in the ECOSOC Chamber at United Nations Headquarters. The event will be broadcast via UN Web TV.
The special meeting will celebrate ECOSOC’s many milestone achievements in improving people’s lives around the world. Established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations, 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.
The event will feature a performance by the City Symphony Orchestra of New York, followed by an official opening of the event and a high-level interactive discussion on “ECOSOC at 80: Renewing Multilateralism and Global Solidarity for a Sustainable Future”. The commemoration of ECOSOC at 80 aims to 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 and dialogue.
Your participation would greatly enhance the significance of this event, which will bring together Member States, UN system, academia, and civil society.
