The News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new ECOSOC members will serve for three years
with effect from January 1, 2021.
Checks by NAN shows
that this will be Nigeria’s third time of serving in the important council
since 2012.
Considered the heart
of the UN, the council ECOSOC drives the economic, social and environmental
agenda of the UN.
While 14 seats are
reserved for African countries in the council, only five were vacant for
Wednesday’s election.
Madagascar, Liberia,
Libya and Zimbabwe were elected along with Nigeria following their endorsement
and presentation by their respective sub-regional organisations ealier.
Also elected are
Indonesia, Japan and Solomon Islands to represent Asia-and Pacific states, and
Bulgaria for the Eastern European Group.
Others include
Argentina, Bolivia, Guatemala and Mexico to represent the Latin American and
Caribbean Group.
Austria, France,
Germany, Portugal, the United Kingdom were elected to fill five vacant seats
reserved for “Western European and other” states.
Nigeria’s Deputy
Ambassador to the UN, Samson Itegboje, told NAN that the country’s election
within two years after its last term in the council underscored its diplomatic
clout at the UN.
On why membership of
ECOSOC is important to Nigeria, Mr Itegboje described the council as a very
strategic organ of the UN.
Under the UN
Charter, it is responsible for promoting higher standards of living, employment
and economic and social progress.
The council also
identifies solutions to international economic, social and health problems, and
facilitates international cultural and educational cooperation, among others.
Mr Itegboje said as
a member of the council Nigeria would be better placed to advance not only its
interests but those of Africa as a whole. (NAN)
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