Makarim installed as ECOSOC president

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian representative to the United Nations (UN) Makarim Wibisono took over the rotational presidency of the world body's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Thursday.

Makarim replaced Italian Ambassador to the UN Fransesco Paulo Fulci to hold the post for a one year period.

In a statement issued by Indonesia's Permanent Representative Office in New York, the focus of Indonesia's tenure as chairman would be on information technology in the context of economic development based on science and technology.

As the council's new chairman, Wibisono aims to further enhance the effectiveness of the council to become more relevant to the UN's overall internal restructuring.

He also stressed that ECOSOC must become more responsive to the emergency needs of its members, particularly during times of monetary crisis and natural disasters.

ECOSOC is one of six main branches in the UN. It functions as a forum for international policies on economic and social concerns.

ECOSOC presently has 54 members. Its cover issues such as trade and development, monetary issues, the environment, refugees, women and children, education, labor, agriculture, human rights and drugs. (01)