Observer Report
United Nations
The Economic and Social Council, the economic arm of the United Nations, unanimously elected Pakistan’s Ambassador to UN, Maleeha Lodhi, as one of its four vice presidents at an election held on Thursday.
Ambassador Lodhi’s election was by acclamation after her candidature was endorsed by the 54-member body.
She will now assume the Asia Pacific seat in the Bureau of ECOSOC, a principal organ of the UN mandated to deliberate on socio-economic and development agenda of the world body.
Norway’s Ambassador Mona Juul was elected ECOSOC’s President, also by acclamation. She replaces Rhonda King of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Other vice president elected were Mher Margaryan (Armenia, representing Eastern European States) and Juan Sandoval Mendiolea (Mexico, representing Latin American and Caribbean States).
Election for a Vice-President from the African States will be held at a later date. Speaking after the vote, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told reporters that her election to such an important organ demonstrates the faith of international community in Pakistan and the competence of its diplomats.