World

India elected to three key ECOSOC subsidiary bodies

In a major development, New Delhi scored a significant diplomatic victory as it got appointed to three key ECOSOC subsidiary bodies.

In a resounding victory, India secured its position at the elections held for the membership of subsidiary bodies of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, on Thursday, which include the UN Statistical Commission, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Significantly, for the elections concerning the pivotal three bodies, India was elected unopposed in two bodies, naming the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS. While, in the election to the Statistical Commission, India reportedly outpaced South Korea (23), China (19), and the United Arab Emirates (15), thus returning to the Statistical Commission after a gap of two decades. Prior to its current membership, India was a member of the Statistical Commission until 2004.

It is pertinent to note that India’s election to the critical bodies comes at a significant time when the nation is leading the presidency of the top 20 grouping, which accounts for 85% of global GDP.

India’s elections reflect the trust reposed by the international community in India’s expertise in these bodies

Guided by the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘The World is One Family’, (the motto similar for its presidency as well), India, following its appointment thus called to make its due contributions efficiently in these and other organs, in the spirit of advancing multilateral solutions to global challenges.

On the working front, the UN ECOSOC’s Statistical Commission is the highest body dealing with international statistical activities and is responsible for standard-setting in the field of statistics. In a statement released, the Indian Mission at the UN said, the experience of India in the field of official statistics especially with regard to its diversity and demography, is immense and will be a value addition to the functioning of the Statistical Commission.

Further elaborating on the details, especially the functioning of the other two ECOSOC bodies, the press release added that, established in 1946, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs supervises the application of international drug control treaties, while the Programme Coordinating Board of UNAIDS supports and provides strategic direction for an international response to HIV/AIDS.

EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar congratulates India on the pivotal development

Reacting on the remarkable development, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar thus congratulated the team of India’s Permanent Mission to the UN for coming through so strongly in a competitive election.

“India elected to the highest UN statistical body for a 4-year term beginning on 1 January 2024! India’s expertise in the field of statistics, diversity, and demography has earned it a seat on the UN Statistical Commission,” EAM added.

 

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