Israel on Monday was elected to the UN Economic and Social Council, garnering 154 votes, more than two-thirds of UN member states. This will be the first time the Jewish state is a member of the UN's top economic forum.
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ECOSOC has 54 members and it is one of the six principal forums of the United Nations. It is responsible for coordinating the economic and social fields of the organization, specifically with regards to the UN's 15 specialized agencies that deal with economic, development, environmental, and humanitarian issues.
In addition to a rotating membership of 54 UN member states, over 1,600 nongovernmental organizations have consultative status with the Council to participate in the work of the United Nations.
An incredible achievement for Israel at the UN today being elected to ECOSOC! Thank you to the 154 states that voted for us & all our diplomats who made this happen. Choosing Israel is recognition of our innovation & creativity, which benefits all nations of the world! pic.twitter.com/Scs5QPLNjm
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) June 7, 2021
"Choosing Israel to serve on ECOSOC is a recognition of our innovation and creativity, which serves to benefit all nations of the world, as well as evidence of our diplomatic efforts throughout the international community," said Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan following the vote.
"I will continue to lead the State of Israel to further achievements and to expand cooperation efforts at the UN, despite efforts by the Palestinians and their supporters."
Seats on the ECOSOC are allocated on the basis of geographical representation, with 14 seats for African states, 13 to Western Europe, 11 to Asia-Pacific states, 10 to Latin American and Caribbean states and six to Eastern European states. Nations are elected to the body for three-year overlapping terms. In total, 18 new states were elected this week to the ECOSOC, to begin their terms on Jan. 1, 2022.
Erdan remarked that Israel's elevation to the council showed that it was a worthy addition and maintained that it was despite a determined diplomatic effort on behalf of the Palestinians and their supporters to ostracize the Jewish state.
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