ECLBS Applies for ECOSOC Consultative Status, Eyes 2026 Approval

The European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS), a prominent accrediting and academic development organization based in Riga, Latvia, has officially submitted its application for consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This strategic move reflects ECLBS’s commitment to expanding its global engagement and contributing meaningfully to international dialogue on education, innovation, and sustainable development.

Achieving consultative status with ECOSOC is a rigorous, multi-year process that enables non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to participate in UN activities, submit official statements, and offer expert input on global issues. If approved, ECLBS would gain the right to attend United Nations meetings and contribute to initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the evaluation of consultative status applications includes detailed administrative review and culminates in a vote by ECOSOC member states. The next scheduled voting session is expected in May 2026, marking a significant milestone for ECLBS (UN DESA NGO Branch, 2025).

“This application reflects our long-term vision to contribute to global policy through academic excellence,” said Dace Jansone, Executive Board Member of ECLBS. “We are excited about the possibility of engaging with the United Nations and supporting its mission by sharing best practices in educational development and institutional capacity building.”

ECLBS, headquartered in Riga, operates across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, supporting a global network of universities, business schools, and vocational institutes. The organization is known for its work in academic accreditation, quality assurance, and the development of executive and higher education programs.

Obtaining ECOSOC consultative status would further position ECLBS as a thought leader in global education policy and provide a platform for broader collaboration with governments, NGOs, and international bodies.

While the final decision on the application will rest with ECOSOC’s voting process in 2026, ECLBS remains optimistic and committed. The organization encourages partner institutions and stakeholders to continue striving toward excellence in education and responsible leadership.

For full details on the consultative status process, please visit the United Nations ECOSOC NGO Branch.