As one of the United Nations’ most long-standing committees, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC, for short) centers its work around developing the financial, social and environmental policies of the United Nations, and applying them to resolve issues at the forefront of the modern world. Since its establishment as a main organ of the UN in 1945, ECOSOC has brought together member states to discuss topics involving many aspects of development, and has dedicated itself to promoting innovation, providing financial support to less economically developed countries, and following up on the recommendations of important UN conferences and summits.

ECOSOC also acts as a link between the many different key actors working within its specialty fields. It oversees the work of dozens of subsidiary bodies, like the Commission on Population and Development, Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Committee for Programme and Coordination, and the regional Economic Commissions. It also funds and supports a wide range of Non-Governmental Organizations, together with new foundations and businesses. Thus, the council is involved in everything from tax policy and public administration to issues surrounding indigenous communities and the status of women.

The economic and civil aspects of ECOSOC have been emphasized for JMUN 2025, with the Haitian and Sri Lankan crises. Corruption, trade shortages, poverty, inflation, organized crime and police brutality are sources of strife amongst both issues that delegates will need to comprehensively address. Using the council’s association with a variety of organizations and agencies will be of great help, as will implementing new funds, advisory bodies and UN missions.