The UN Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW71) and the NGO CSW71 Forum take place March 8-19, 2027, in New York, NY. The Forum, which runs simultaneously with the UN CSW, is free and open to the public.
This year's session will focus on accelerating gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with special attention to poverty and women's economic empowerment — an issue at the heart of the Soroptimist mission.
What to Expect
Over the two weeks, attendees will learn about advocacy at the UN, as well as participate in Consultation Day, Orientation & Advocacy Training and Parallel Events, while connecting with members of other civil society organizations and NGOs from around the globe—all of which empower women and girls!
Interested in Attending as a Delegate?
If you’d like to attend the UN CSW71 sessions in New York as a Soroptimist International delegate, please complete the interest form by November 16, 2026. Keep in mind that access to in-person participation in UN functions is limited and delegates cover their own travel, hotel, and other expenses. For questions about the process, please contact Shaila Rao Mistry, SIA Representative to the SI Global Impact Committee, at shaila@stem-institute.org.
The Connection Between Soroptimist and the UN
SIA actively engages with the United Nations (UN) to promote gender equality and empower women and girls, aligning directly with our mission. We focus on five of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which form the core of SIA's work. These five key SDGs are:
1. SDG Goal 4: Quality Education—We emphasize the importance of access to education for women and girls, supporting programs that promote lifelong learning opportunities and skills development.
2. SDG Goal 5: Gender Equality—We seek to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, addressing issues such as discrimination, violence, and access to resources.
3. SDG Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth—We work to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth by supporting women’s participation in the workforce and advocating for fair employment conditions.
4. SDG Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities—We aim to reduce inequalities by addressing the systemic barriers that women and girls face, ensuring equal opportunities and access to resources.
5. SDG Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions—We advocate for peaceful and inclusive societies and works towards ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for women and girls who are often marginalized.
How is this achieved? Through advocacy, partnerships, our programs and projects, participation in UN events, and awareness and education.
Soroptimist plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development and improving the lives of women and girls not only in our local communities but also globally.
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