What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (Answer in 150 words)

ECOSOC is the UN’s central platform for coordinating economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development among governments and stakeholders.

• It conducts studies, makes recommendations, coordinates specialised agencies and promotes international cooperation.
• It reviews implementation of the 2030 Agenda, mobilises partnerships and convenes the High-level Political Forum.
• It facilitates policy dialogue on humanitarian, development, employment and financing issues.

Its commissions include the Statistical Commission, Commission for Social Development, Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Population and Development, Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and Commission on Science and Technology for Development. Regional commissions—such as ESCAP—add area-specific policy expertise. Together they generate norms, data and recommendations, though implementation depends on State cooperation.

ECOSOC; 2030 Agenda; SDGs; functional commissions; policy coordination; multilateralism.