The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific is the main legislative organ of ESCAP and reports to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It provides a forum for all governments of the region to review and discuss economic and social issues and to strengthen regional cooperation.

The Commission meets annually at the ministerial level to discuss and decide on important issues pertaining to inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the region, to decide on the recommendations of its subsidiary bodies and of the Executive Secretary, to review and endorse the proposed strategic framework and programme of work, and to make any other decisions required, in conformity with its terms of reference.

The Commission session comprises a senior officials segment followed by a ministerial segment. The joint session of the Special Body on Least Developed, Landlocked Developing and Pacific Island Developing Countries, as called for in ESCAP resolution 69/1 on the conference structure of the Commission, is held during the senior officials segment.