Portugal underscores its strong commitment to development, social inclusion and international cooperation at ECOSOC@80
Portugal participated in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), held on 23 January 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
On this occasion, Portugal recalled its long-standing engagement with ECOSOC, having served as an elected member on multiple occasions and contributed actively to key processes under its auspices.
Portugal underscored that social and economic progress lies at the heart of its constitutional framework, reflecting a strong commitment to development, social inclusion and international cooperation.
Particular emphasis was placed on the role of ECOSOC subsidiary bodies and forums — notably the High-Level Political Forum and the Financing for Development Forum — in supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and promoting policy coherence.
Portugal has presented two Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), in 2017 and 2023. Since 2019, seven Portuguese municipalities (Braga, Cascais, Grândola, Lagos, Mafra, Matosinhos, Porto) have submitted Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs).
In addition, Portugal has co-facilitated negotiations on the Outcome Document of the Financing for Development Forum on two occasions, in 2018 and 2023.
Looking ahead, Portugal emphasized the importance of strengthening ECOSOC’s capacity to deliver, through enhanced coordination, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and a reinforced role within ongoing UN reform efforts, namely in the context of UN80.
