What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (UPSC 2017)

ECOSOC is the UN’s principal body for economic and social coordination. It links UN agencies, regional bodies and states to promote development, human rights and cooperation.

• Main functions: Coordinates UN economic, social and environmental work; discusses global issues and makes policy recommendations; oversees follow-up to the SDGs through the High-Level Political Forum; and works with specialised agencies, NGOs and civil society.
• Functional commissions: The Statistical Commission sets global statistical standards and SDG indicators; Commission on the Status of Women promotes gender equality; Commission on Population and Development addresses demography and migration; Commission for Social Development tackles poverty and social protection; Commission on Narcotic Drugs frames drug-control policy; Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice deals with crime and justice; Commission on Science and Technology for Development advises on innovation and digital divide; and UN Forum on Forests promotes sustainable forest management.

Thus, ECOSOC provides policy coordination while its commissions offer specialised action on major global challenges.