In a landmark moment for Nepal’s diplomatic history, Lok Bahadur Thapa, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has been elected President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2025–2026 term. This is the first time in 70 years of Nepal’s UN membership that a Nepali diplomat has assumed the presidency of one of the UN’s six principal organs.
What Is ECOSOC and Why It Matters?
ECOSOC is one of the main six organs of the United Nations, alongside:
- General Assembly
- Security Council
- International Court of Justice
- Secretariat
- Trusteeship Council
It is responsible for coordinating the economic, social, and development agendas of the UN system. ECOSOC comprises 54 member states and plays a central role in shaping sustainable development, financing, climate resilience, and social equity.
Thapa’s term as ECOSOC President will run until July 31, 2026.
Thapa’s Vision: Rebuilding Trust, Strengthening Multilateralism
Upon his election, Ambassador Thapa expressed deep gratitude to all member states for their trust in Nepal.
“It is a distinct honor and privilege for me to assume the presidency of ECOSOC. This historic moment reflects Nepal’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism. I accept this role with humility, resolve, and deep dedication.”
Thapa outlined a vision for a more inclusive, effective, and results-oriented ECOSOC, focusing on:
- Strengthening global trust
- Advancing inclusive multilateralism
- Mobilizing resources for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Tackling systemic challenges like inequality, digital gaps, climate change, and conflict
Global Challenges and Urgent Priorities
In his address, Thapa highlighted the compounding global crises:
- Deepening geopolitical tensions
- Growing cybersecurity threats
- Climate disruption, economic instability, and inequality
- Only 17% progress achieved on SDGs
- Over 300 million people urgently needing humanitarian aid
- A $4 trillion annual funding gap threatening SDGs and climate goals
“These are interconnected, systemic crises. Our only path forward is bold, equitable, transformative action rooted in multilateral cooperation,” Thapa emphasized.
Thapa’s Priorities as ECOSOC President
Thapa detailed several core priorities for his presidency:
1. Accelerating the 2030 Agenda
- Mobilizing scaled-up investment
- Promoting policy innovation
- Encouraging inclusive partnerships
2. Transforming Agricultural and Food Systems
- Tackling global hunger (affecting over 735 million people)
- Enhancing equity, resilience, and food security
3. Fostering Digital Inclusion and Youth Innovation
- Supporting technology access and infrastructure
- Promoting youth entrepreneurship and digital exports
4. Addressing Climate Risks
- Advocating for climate resilience and glacial lake outburst mitigation, especially in the Himalayas
5. Strengthening Institutional Coordination
- Enhancing synergy across UN agencies and key leadership, including the General Assembly President, Security Council, and Secretary-General
6. Boosting Sustainable Financing and Partnerships
- Collaborating with the World Bank and global partners
- Promoting green investments, sustainable infrastructure, and tourism
- Expanding support for LDCs and debt-burdened nations
7. Ensuring Gender Equality and Civil Society Engagement
- Promoting data-driven policies
- Enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and equity
Who Is Lok Bahadur Thapa?
- Appointed Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN in September 2023
- Former Ambassador to Belgium and EU (2016–2020)
- Held top positions in Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, including:
- Director-General of the Department of Passports
- Chief of East Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia Divisions
- Served in Nepal’s embassies in Beijing, Riyadh, and Canberra
- Recognized with the Suprabal Janasewa Shree award (2021) and Civil Service Medal (2015)
Thapa holds Master’s degrees in Diplomacy (Lancaster University, UK) and Public Administration (TU, Nepal), and has undergone specialized diplomatic training in Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and the US.
A Historic First for Nepal at the UN
“This presidency reaffirms Nepal’s long-standing commitment to multilateralism and sustainable global governance,” Thapa said.
Nepal’s historic rise to ECOSOC presidency comes at a time when the world needs reliable voices from developing countries more than ever. Ambassador Thapa’s leadership is expected to amplify the concerns of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and guide ECOSOC through transformative action in a time of global urgency.
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