By: Muhammad Ayub
In the world where the problems of poverty, climate change, and inequality intersect, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) emerges as a beacon of hope an arena where the world’s greatest minds come together to turn shared challenges into collective solutions. With its mandate to drive sustainable development and foster global partnerships, ECOSOC 2025 is more than a meeting; it is a testament to humanity’s resolve to create a future that leaves no one behind.
The 2025 Partnership Forum of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on February 5, 2025. The Forum’s theme, “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind,” emphasized the importance of accelerating progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
This year’s event drew wide participation from various sectors, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia, who came together to discuss innovative solutions for the most pressing global challenges. Special focus was given to five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will undergo review at the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development:
Goal 1: Good Health and Well-being
Goal 2: Gender Equality
Goal 3: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 4: Life Below Water
Goal 5: Partnerships for the Goals
Good Health and Well-Being:
At the ECOSOC session on February 5, 2025, the focus on Good Health and Well Being one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) highlighted pressing global health challenges and the need for collective action to improve healthcare systems globally. The session emphasized the importance of universal health coverage, access to quality healthcare, and reducing health inequities across countries, particularly in developing regions by focusing on the deprived regions of basic health facilities.
Key stakeholders from UN agencies, member states, and international organizations discussed strategies to strengthen health systems, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the vulnerabilities of healthcare infrastructures worldwide. The ongoing effects of the pandemic have intensified efforts to enhance global preparedness for future health crises.
The session also addressed issues like maternal and child health, with calls for concentrated efforts to reduce mortality rates and ensure safe childbirth practices. Mental health was another area of concern, with discussions surrounding the need to integrate mental health services into primary care and eliminate stigma. The role of technology and innovation in transforming healthcare delivery, particularly through telemedicine and mobile health services, was also acknowledged as vital for improving accessibility and affordability.
Further, ECOSOC put emphasis on the importance of tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, which account for a large proportion of global deaths. International cooperation and sustainable financing mechanisms were viewed as essential for achieving the health-related targets under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Gender Equality:
Gender equality took attention of all as it has been a critical factor in achieving sustainable development. The session underscored that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone for peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive societies. Representatives from UN bodies, governments, and civil society emphasized the persistent gender gaps in education, employment, political participation, and leadership positions across the globe.
A key point of discussion was to ensure genuine efforts to bridge up the gender wage gap, which remains a significant barrier to women’s economic empowerment. Participants highlighted that women, particularly in developing countries, continue to face disproportionate challenges in accessing decent work, social protection, and resources, which limit their ability to contribute fully to their communities and economies.
The ECOSOC session also highlighted the ongoing issue of gender-based violence (GBV), with a view to calling for more robust legal frameworks, stronger enforcement of laws, and increased funding for prevention programs. The importance of creating safe spaces for women and girls and ensuring access to justice for survivors was emphasized.
Moreover, women decision making along with representation both in political intuition & corporate setting was also taken into consideration by identifying gender parity.
ECOSOC concluded by calling for a multi sect oral approach to gender equality, with collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society. Participants agreed that without full gender equality, the broader goals of sustainable development would remain unattainable. The session called for urgent, targeted actions to advance gender equality in every aspect of life.
Decent Work and Economic Growth:
Under the umbrella of ECOSOC session, the topic of Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) was a major point of discussion, reflecting its significance in global development. The session emphasized the urgent need for inclusive economic growth and the creation of decent jobs for all, especially in light of the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global inequalities.
Participants highlighted that economic recovery must prioritize vulnerable populations, including youth, women, and marginalized groups who are disproportionately affected by unemployment and job insecurity. The discussion underscored the importance of strengthening labor markets, ensuring safe working conditions, and providing social protection to workers in both formal and informal sectors.
Another horrendous issue was the challenge of youth unemployment. The ECOSOC session stressed that young people continue to face significant barriers to entering the labor market, especially in developing countries. Enhancing skills development, vocational training, and education to match the demands of the modern workforce was seen as crucial to addressing this issue.
Furthermore, discussion centered on the role of innovation technology and green industries in driving sustainable economic growth by promoting entrepreneurship, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), was viewed as a key factor in fostering job creation and economic resilience. The need for responsible business practices and ethical labor standards to protect workers’ rights was also emphasized.
ECOSOC participants agreed that achieving sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth requires global cooperation and investment in long-term development. By fostering decent work opportunities and promoting inclusive economic policies, member states can drive progress toward achieving the broader goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The session concluded with a call for increased action and investment in areas that ensure economic growth benefits everyone, leaving no one behind.
Life Below Water:
In this full swing of ECOSOC session, the topic of Life Below Water (SDG 14) was extensively discussed, focusing on the urgent need to protect and sustainably manage the world’s oceans, seas, and marine resources. The session highlighted the critical role oceans play in supporting global ecosystems, regulating the climate, and providing livelihoods for millions of people, especially in coastal communities.
Key discussions centered on the growing threats to marine life, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Participants pointed to the alarming rate at which marine biodiversity is declining due to human activities such as plastic pollution, oil spills, and the destruction of coral reefs. It was stressed that immediate action is required to reduce marine pollution, with special attention on preventing plastic waste from entering the oceans.
The issue of unsustainable fishing practices was also addressed, with calls for stronger international regulations to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The depletion of fish stocks was noted as a significant concern, as it threatens food security and the livelihoods of millions who depend on fishing for their income. ECOSOC participants advocated for the promotion of sustainable fishing methods and the need for marine protected areas to restore biodiversity.
Furthermore, the challenges of climate change & its impact of marine eco system by pointing out ocean acidification and rising sea levels were serious discussed in order to mitigate climate change & its effects on the ocean.
ECOSOC concluded to work together given the role of governments, businesses, and civil society together to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources. The session emphasized that achieving the targets of SDG 14 is crucial for the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations.
Partnership for the Goals:
Another important topic of deliberation of Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17) was a key topic of discussion. This goal emphasizes the need for strengthened global partnerships to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The session highlighted that progress on many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been slow, and meaningful partnerships are crucial to addressing the complex global challenges of poverty, inequality, climate change, and sustainable development.
The session underscored the need for enhanced collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to mobilize financial resources and technical support. Participants called for increased investments, especially in developing countries, to build resilient infrastructure, promote innovation, and strengthen institutions that can effectively implement sustainable development programs. It was emphasized that partnerships should be inclusive, ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, including marginalized groups.
A key aspect of the discussion was the importance of technology and knowledge sharing. Developing countries face significant challenges in accessing modern technologies and data needed for development. ECOSOC participants advocated for stronger partnerships to facilitate the transfer of technology and capacity building, enabling these countries to address their development needs.
The session also focused on the role of international financial institutions and the private sector in supporting global development efforts. Public-private partnerships were highlighted as essential for mobilizing the resources required to achieve the SDGs. The need for accountability, transparency, and effective governance in these partnerships was also stressed to ensure that the benefits reach those who need them the most.
ECOSOC concluded that strong and equitable partnerships are essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda. The session called for urgent action to build more effective, inclusive, and accountable collaborations across all sectors by bridging up the gapes leaving no country behind with full implementation on the discussed agenda.
Building Stronger Partnerships for the Future
In summing up, the need for bold and forward-looking partnerships was a recurring theme. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) were highlighted as a powerful tool for mobilizing financial resources and expertise, while cross-sector collaborations were seen as essential for solving complex global challenges. Philanthropic organizations were also recognized for their critical role in supporting development projects and advancing progress toward the SDGs.
The 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum showcased the importance of partnerships in advancing sustainable development. The discussions reaffirmed that achieving the SDGs requires the joint efforts of governments, businesses, civil society, and international organizations. Through innovative partnerships, financial commitments, and collective action, the world can overcome its most pressing challenges and ensure that the vision of the 2030 Agenda becomes a reality.