JOIN US FOR THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW54)
MARCH 1-12, 2010
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
BPW International has permanent representatives at the United Nations and its agencies in New York, Geneva, Paris and Vienna. In New York they are Claire Fulcher (main representative), Elizabeth Benham, Susan O'Malley, Eva Richter, and Helen Swank. These representatives keep BPWI affiliates informed of UN activities, represent their views during meetings, and advocate particularly on issues relating to the status of women. BPW International works with the Division for the Advancement of Women through the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, with INSTRAW Women's Training Centre, UNlFEM, UNICEF, Project 5-0 International, the ILO Training Centre, Women's World Banking and over 50 other on-going projects around the world.
UN Representatives organize workshops, participate in planning for the annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women, produce statements and position papers, research and provide background materials on various issues, and provide valuable input into the outcomes of many UN meetings, conferences, forums and discussions. BPW International has played a major role in all four World Conferences for Women from 1975 to 1995. In addition, it has sponsored, co-sponsored and participated in regional meetings which have included training seminars, workshops, conferences and trade fairs.
As the main representative of BPW, Claire Fulcher was the founding convenor of the NGO Committee on UNIFEM. She also co-founded the very active NGO Committee on Mental Health, which has been instrumental in advancing the view that mental health is essential to the creation and maintenance of individual and world peace, security, and stability. Eva Richter co-founded the NGO Committee on Migration, which has focused on assuring that the dignity and human rights of migrants will be respected and maintained in the global economy.
As a non-government organization (NGO), BPWI has Consultative Status, Category 1, with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It also has consultative status and special relations with the International Labor Office (ILO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Finally, BPW has Consultative Status and Special Relations with the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).
CURRENT EVENTS:
The opportunity for accreditation, to attend CSW54, is open to all members of BPW International – remember, this is one of the main benefits of your membership. Members attending CSW54 will be expected to participate in some of the exciting BPW events planned for next year.
Accreditation however has not opened as yet – we anticipate that the United Nations will be working to the same timetable as previous years which should see the accreditation process open by mid November. Ann Swain will be handling all accreditations for next year’s CSW.
2010 marks the 15th anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women. In recognition of this anniversary, the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, NY is organizing an NGO Global Women’s Forum to consider implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). The Forum will take place on February 27 & 28, 2010. This Forum immediately precedes the 54th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, which will also undertake a 15-year review and appraisal of the BPfA. The Forum program will include two full conference days commencing with an opening ceremony, and continuing with plenary sessions, panel discussions, and workshops. This will replace the previous NGO CSW/NY’s Annual Consultation Day and the two days will form part of the Forum.
Members that are interested to attend the Forum need to register directly with the NGO/CSW/NY. This is separate to the registration/accreditation to attend CSW proper. For registration information and a copy of the preliminary program go to: http://www.ngocsw.org/en/events/2010-forum I encourage members wishing to participate to register for the NGO Global Women’s Forum – you need to register by 15th November to qualify for early registration discounts.
COME TO THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
in New York City March 1 to 12 at the United Nations. Go to the links below to view the Invitation and to download the form to get your credentials for this year.
Invitation to CSW Credential Form and Information Registration for AGM