Commemoration of ECOSOC at 80 | #ECOSOC80: A Turning Point for Multilateralism

Miriam Aba Arhin

Ms. Miriam Aba Arhin
Minister-Counsellor/Second Committee Expert
ECOSOC Chamber, UN HQ, New York
23rd January 2026

 

AT THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF ECOSOC

 

Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Excellencies,

 

Ghana aligns herself with the statements of the Group of 77 and China and the African Group, and speaks in its national capacity. From the ashes of war, with a compass pointing toward peace, humanity, and justice, the United Nations was founded to serve as a beacon of hope for a world weary of conflict. From the outset, it was evident that diplomacy alone could not secure lasting peace—it had to be anchored in social development, economic progress, and respect for human dignity. As former Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld aptly observed, “While the Security Council exists primarily for settling conflicts, the Economic and Social Council exists primarily to eliminate the causes of conflicts.”

 

This enduring insight defines ECOSOC’s unique mandate in advancing sustainable development as the basis for lasting peace. As we commemorate eighty years of the Council, Ghana joins Member States in acknowledging its pivotal contribution to peace, prosperity, and the wellbeing of peoples worldwide. ECOSOC’s legacy is deeply embedded in the architecture of
international cooperation. From its early role in shaping the foundations of the international human rights framework, to supporting the establishment of UNAIDS, and anchoring the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Council has consistently guided global responses to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

 

As the principal United Nations organ for advancing the 2030 Agenda, ECOSOC has played a pivotal role in institutionalizing youth participation, notably through the ECOSOC Youth Forum. This is especially significant for Africa, the world’s most youthful continent, where nearly 60 per cent of the population is under 25. Africa’s youth are not only beneficiaries of development but key drivers of innovation, resilience and sustainable growth. By amplifying their voices, ECOSOC helps ensure that development strategies remain inclusive and forwardlooking.

 

Mr. President,
We mark this anniversary amid interconnected global challenges— climate change, inequality, insecurity, conflict and rapid technological change—that continue to test multilateralism.
Ghana firmly believes that sustainable peace and shared prosperity rest on effective multilateralism, and ECOSOC is uniquely positioned to strengthen system-wide coordination and advance integrated solutions to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda as its deadline approaches.

 

Excellencies,
As ECOSOC marks its 80th anniversary, we have a timely opportunity to renew our collective commitment to multilateralism and, through a strengthened and responsive Council, advance a more just, sustainable and resilient world that leaves no one behind.

 

I thank you.