UNITED NATIONS: Ahead of next week's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) elections in which Pakistan is a candidate, Ambassador Masood Khan hosted a reception as part of the continuing lobbying efforts.
The reception, held at the Pakistan Mission to the UN, was attended by diplomats accredited to the UN and UN officials.
Voting to fill the vacant seats on ECOSOC will take place in the UN General Assembly on Oct 29.
Pakistan is contesting an Asian seat, and it has no challenger. A two-third majority in the 193-member Assembly is required for election.
With its third consecutive term expiring on Dec. 2013, Pakistan is seeking election after a gap of one year.
First elected in 1954, Pakistan served the ECOSOC in 1965-1967, 1969-1971, 1974-1977, 1979-1984, 1986-1988, 1990-1992, 1994-1995, 1998-2003, 2005-2007, 2008-10 and 2010-13.
Of the ECOSCO's 54 members, 18 retire each year. Seats have been distributed on geographical basis with 14 allocated to Africa, 11 to Asia, six to East Europe, 10 Latin America and 13 to Western Europe and other states.
The ECOSOC, a principal UN organ, coordinates economic, social, and related work of the 14 UN specialized agencies, functional commissions and five regional commissions. It serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system.
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.
In his brief remarks, Masood Khan said that Pakistan had actively participated in reforming the Council and would continue its efforts to make this body more effective.
He sought the support of member states for its candidacy, pledging to promote the purposes and objectives of ECOSOC.
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