Russia Elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council

Russia has been elected to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), following a vote by the United Nations General Assembly. The move can be expected to alarm the collective West; however, the move makes strategic sense as ECOSOC coordinates the organization’s economic, social, and humanitarian activities. It is one of the UN’s six main bodies. Members will be looking ahead to Russian involvement post-Ukraine conflict in terms of coordinating what can be expected to become significant humanitarian efforts. Ukraine was also elected as a member. Terms typically last for three years.

ECOSOC is responsible for promoting higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress; identifying solutions to international economic, social, and health problems; facilitating international cultural and educational cooperation; and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Along with Russia and Ukraine, Australia, Burundi, Chad, China, Croatia, Ecuador, Finland, Germany, India, Lebanon, Mozambique, Norway, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sierra Leone, Turkiye, Turkmenistan, and the United States will make up the new ECOSOC council.