In 1947, IAW joined a handful of NGOs officially accredited to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Today, let us be proud of our place among the other 5,450 ECOSOC-accredited NGOs. The UN has counted on us to be partners to improve women’s leadership in peacebuilding, economic justice, sustainable development, and to be a voice for those often left behind. And we have stepped up to the challenge. We have contributed our expertise on women’s human rights in all spheres of work and in the many ECOSOC commissions, including the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the Commission on Social Development and the Commission on Science and Technology.

IAW members have been advocates and provided expertise at global conferences like Financing for Development, High-Level Political Forum and the UN Fourth World Conference on Women, but we have also taken the global-local through may activities on the ground.

As we look to the future, we should remember that our place at the UN is enshrined in Article 71 of the UN Charter which states: The Economic and Social Council may make suitable arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations which are concerned with matters within its competence. Such arrangements may be made with international organizations and, where appropriate, with national organizations after consultation with the members of the United Nations concerned.

For decades, our members have invested time and our own resources to ensure a strong and vital UN. That is why we claim the right to envision a revitalized organization, one where feminist and gender equality principles are central to its many agendas. One where youth can fulfill their hopes and dreams as global citizens. To do this, IAW members are encouraged to participate in consultations on the UN Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda and to offer our own creative ideas for a Futures Summit in 2023.

Let us build a strong UN for the next generation and beyond.

Soon-Young Yoon – Main Representative at UN New York