The members of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) elected the Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations, Ambassador Cristián Barros, as the Vice President of said Council for the period of August 1, 2016 to July 30, 2017.
His election represents a recognition of Chile´s leadership in economic and social matters, which is in turn a reflection of the country´s interest in promoting inclusive development. As a member of the Bureau, his main objective will be to strengthen the ECOSOC so that it may play a central role in the challenges and opportunities presented by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The nomination of Ambassador Barros to the Bureau was proposed and endorsed by the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC).
Composed of 54 elected members, ECOSOC is the major organ of the United Nations that aims to promote and strengthen sustainable development through its three elements — economic, social and environmental. It also coordinates the work of institutions and specialized agencies operating in the economic and social arenas of the organization (including the regional commissions) and is responsible for following up with the results of the United Nations' conferences and summits.