The founders of the United Nations recognized that in order to have peace in the world, economic and social development and international cooperation were essential. The Charter assigned the Economic and Social Council the task of working for economic and social progress and promoting universal respect for human rights. It spreads the benefits of science and technology and fosters world cooperation in areas such as better housing, family planning and crime prevention.
The Council has 54 members. It usually holds at least one substantive session each year which includes a special meeting at the ministerial level to discuss major economic and social issues. Working under the authority of the General Assembly, the Council coordinates the work of the United Nations system, which consists of over 30 programs and specialized agencies.
From the United Nations Department of Public Information.
