Pakistan elected Ecosoc president for sixth time

Ambassador Munir Akram says universal access to a coronavirus vaccine will be a priority

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan was unanimously elected as president of the Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc) of the United Nations for sixth time, according to a message received here on Thursday.

Ecosoc is one of the six principal organs of the UN, responsible for coordinating the economic and social fields of the organisation, specifically in regards to the 15 specialised agencies, the eight functional commissions and the five regional commissions under its jurisdiction.

On Thursday, the council Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Munir Akram as the 76th president. Akram had previously served as the Ecosoc president in 2005. Only two diplomats have held this important position more than once in the history of the United Nations.

In his inaugural address after the election, Ambassador Munir Akram highlighted Pakistan’s priorities as the council president. “The world is facing many problems at present,” he said, referring to the impact of coronavirus on the global economy and the health and development sectors.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to preside over the Council for a second time especially when we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the UN and the Ecosoc. Pakistan is assuming the Presidency of the Economic and Social Council for the sixth time in the midst of the most serious global threat faced by the international community since the establishment of the United Nations,” he said in his inaugural address.

He said that a universal access to a coronavirus vaccine will be one of the priorities of Pakistan’s presidency. “A Covid-19 vaccine will be developed, we hope soon. Everyone, everywhere – rich or poor – must have equal access to the vaccine,” he added.

He also said that global infrastructure, financial resources for development projects, strengthening of global efforts against climate change were also among Pakistan’s priorities. He added that Pakistan would also pay special attention to the promotion of science and technology and its access to developing countries.