United Nations, New York (23 January 2026) – Saint Kitts and Nevis was represented at the commemoration ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), held on 23 January 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Federation was represented by Ambassador Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, and diplomat Mrs. Lecia Phipps.

The commemoration was convened under the theme, “ECOSOC80: A Turning Point for Multilateralism.” The theme emphasized renewing multilateralism and global solidarity for a sustainable future and highlighted ECOSOC’s role in advancing international cooperation and sustainable development in an increasingly complex world.

The high-level ceremony was attended by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, and President of the Economic and Social Council Lok Bahadur Thapa, along with senior United Nations officials, representatives of Member States, and other stakeholders.

In his remarks, Secretary-General Guterres highlighted ECOSOC’s enduring relevance, stating:

“For 80 years, ECOSOC has been a cornerstone of international cooperation, advancing economic and social progress and helping to shape a more inclusive and sustainable world.”

President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock emphasized the importance of renewed commitment to multilateralism, underscoring ECOSOC’s vital role in

fostering dialogue and collective action to address today’s complex global challenges.

Established in 1945, ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and serves as the central platform for dialogue, policy coordination, and consensus-building on economic, social, humanitarian, and sustainable development issues. The Council plays a key role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and coordinating the work of United Nations funds, programmes, and specialized agencies.

Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Ambassador Mutryce Williams stated:

“As we commemorate 80 years of ECOSOC, Saint Kitts and Nevis reaffirms its strong commitment to multilateralism and to collective solutions that support sustainable development, particularly for Small Island Developing States.”

The commemoration reaffirmed the international community’s shared commitment to strengthening ECOSOC’s role in promoting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development worldwide.

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