With 181 out of 189 votes, Bangladesh was chosen to represent the Asia-Pacific area as a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the main UN bodies, during the term 2025–2027.
According to a news release from the foreign ministry issued here today, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka were the other nations elected from the same area at the poll that took place on Friday at the UN General Assembly Hall.
Regarding development and social issues, ECOSOC is the most significant forum within the UN system and, by extension, international diplomacy in this field.
“This is a recognition of Bangladesh’s unique success in achieving sustainable development through innovative means under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a demonstration of the trust and confidence that Bangladesh enjoys in the international arena,” said Ambassador Muhammad A. Muhith, the permanent representative of Bangladesh to the UN, while speaking after the election.
“Membership in ECOSOC will be critical for our smooth and sustainable graduation and expedite our progress towards implementing Agenda 2030,” Ambassador Muhith stated, referring to Bangladesh’s impending graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category to a developing country in 2026.
He continued, “This would also allow us to share with the rest of the world our best developmental practices.”
Bangladesh will be able to increase its visibility and efforts in implementing Agenda 2030 by active involvement in executive boards, commissions, committees, and forums, as well as through active participation in regional platforms such as the UN-ESCAP, thanks to its membership in ECOSOC.
A secret ballot was used to conduct the election under the leadership of Dennis Francis, the 78th President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Bangladesh’s membership in the ECOSOC will begin in January 2025.
As per the press statement from the foreign ministry, Bangladesh is making noteworthy advancements in accomplishing Agenda 2030 and ‘Vision 2041: Transforming Bangladesh into a Smart Nation’, spearheaded by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh’s progress has gained international prominence and it is commonly considered as a ‘role model’ for socio-economic development.
Diplomats from various countries at the election venue commented: “This victory is a global acknowledgement of Bangladesh’s development success
“Indeed, Bangladesh’s ongoing successes in international elections in general, and this highly prestigious election in particular, manifest the confidence, trust and appreciation that our nation is receiving from the international community,” said the release.
The election of Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith to chair the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee on the Economy and Finance for the 79th Session was just announced by the foreign ministry on Thursday.
Bangladesh is also the UNDP/UNFPS/UNOPS Executive Board President at the moment.
