Music Enhances ECOSOC’s 80th Anniversary at UN
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 4
New York, United States – In support of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), UPF sponsored a musical performance by members of the New York City Symphony, in the historic ECOSOC Chamber at United Nations Headquarters in New York on January 23, 2026. Although founded the previous year, ECOSOC held its inaugural session on January 23, 1946. The commemorative event focused on reviewing its legacy, reaffirming its role in global governance, and discussing how to strengthen it to meet contemporary global challenges.
H.E. Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, president of ECOSOC, presided over the event and emphasized ECOSOC’s historic role in promoting global cooperation and multilateralism. H.E. Mr. António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations; delivered remarks underscoring the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation in the face of a world “in a precarious state,” marked by conflicts, inequality, climate pressures, and declining development financing. He called for reforms to increase ECOSOC’s effectiveness.
A moderated high-level discussion took place on ECOSOC’s historic contributions to sustainable development and global cooperation, including its policy guidance, coordination among UN agencies, and role in advancing development agendas. Participants also addressed ways to strengthen ECOSOC as an inclusive platform, enhancing its convening power for member states, civil society, youth, and other stakeholders to address current and future global challenges.
Speakers included H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, president of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly; H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, former ECOSOC president for the 2025 session; and other dignitaries. The chamber was filled with ambassadors, representatives of member states, officials from UN agencies, and leaders from civil society, reflecting the global reach and enduring relevance of ECOSOC’s mission.
To contribute to the anniversary observance, Dr. Tageldin Hamad, president of UPF-International, called upon Maestro David Eaton, who serves as global coordinator of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP). Maestro Eaton is the musical director of the New York City Symphony; under his direction, members of the orchestra presented five musical selections, chosen to honor the spirit of international cooperation and shared humanity at the heart of ECOSOC’s work.
The ECOSOC Advisory Council for this commemorative year was composed of five nations: Spain, the Dominican Republic, Algeria, Armenia, and Nepal, with Nepal serving as the presiding nation. Maestro Eaton curated and arranged five musical compositions representing these countries, weaving together diverse cultural expressions into a harmonious musical narrative that reflected ECOSOC’s inclusive global vision.
This program illustrated the concept articulated by Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of UPF, as the inspiration for IAACP: that the arts possess a unique and powerful capacity to unite humanity and inspire a lasting culture of peace. In this spirit, the performers were proud to offer a musical embellishment to the commemoration of eight decades of ECOSOC’s meaningful contributions to humanity.
