President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country Norway.
The 80th anniversary of ECOSOC is a historic moment to reflect and build on our collective actions and accomplishments.
ECOSOC was founded on a powerful idea: that peace is inseparable from social justice, economic opportunity, and respect for human rights.
This insight remains as relevant today as it was in 1946.
ECOSOC has shaped the UN’s development and social architecture, providing sustained leadership on poverty eradication, social inclusion, and gender equality.
And it has institutionalized meaningful engagement with civil society, making it the UN’s primary platform for structured participation by NGOs.
Through its coordination and review role, including the HLPF, it has anchored global follow-up of major development agendas, from the Millennium Development Goals to the 2030 Agenda.
ECOSOC’s mandate is particularly critical at a time of interlinked global crises and persistent implementation gaps.
With progress on the 2030 Agenda off track, the challenge before us is not a lack of normative frameworks, but the need to strengthen delivery, follow-up, and accountability.
ECOSOC plays a key role in addressing these challenges.
The Nordic countries strongly believe in ECOSOC’s unique role — bringing together governments, the UN system, international financial institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector — to translate global commitments into concrete action.
President,
To reinforce ECOSOC as a space for dialogue and as a catalyst for effective implementation, we believe the following will be key:
The review process should strengthen system-wide coherence that delivers on the SG’s UN80 Initiative.
Evidence, analysis and data must drive reform.
Efficiency requires inclusivity and accessibility.
Working methods must be improved.
President,
On this 80th anniversary, the Nordic countries reaffirm their strong support for ECOSOC as a cornerstone of the multilateral system.
Thank you