The 56th Session of the UN General Assembly met on October 26 and elected new members of the ECOSOC by a secret vote. China won, with a huge turnout of favourable votes, another three-year term, from 2002 to 2004, on the Council.

ECOSOC is one of the six main bodies of United Nations. With 54 members, it is specifically responsible for economic and social affairs in the United Nations. Its 32 subsidiary and related bodies include the Commission on Human Rights, the Commission on the Status of Women and the Commission on Sustainable Development. Over the years, ECOSOC has played an important role in facilitating global economic development, promoting and protecting human rights, enhancing the status of women, eradicating poverty, protecting the environment and so on.

Since the restoration of its seat in the United Nations in 1971, China has been serving continuously on the ECOSOC, making important contributions in fields such as economy, human rights, women's issue, environment and social development. China's reelection this time represents Member States' recognition of and support to China's dedication to and active participation in UN affairs throughout all these years.