Blog - Soroptimist International

The 58th Commission on Population and Development

Blog by Bette Levy, Soroptimist International Representative to the United Nations in New York. The 58th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD58) convened at UN Headquarters in New York from April 7 to 11, 2025, under the theme “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for

Youth Voice in Science Diplomacy: UN CGIAR Science Week 2025 Outcomes

Blog By Shaleen Wanjiru, SI Representative to the UN in Nairobi. From 9 to 13 April 2025, the United Nations Office in Nairobi hosted the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Science Week 2025 — a landmark global gathering of scientists, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, farmers, civil society actors, and

Towards a Legally Binding Instrument on Ageing

Blog by Frances Zainoeddin, SI Representative to the UN in New York After 14 years of data-gathering, analysis of evidence and proving that the rights of older persons have been denied, ignored and refused, the moment arrived on 3 April 2025 when the Human Rights Council (HRC) decided to establish

Promoting synergies between science and diplomacy

Blog by Evelyne Para, SI Representative to UNESCO, Paris. On 25 and 26 March 2025, a Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy took place at UNESCO Paris. It was a first! Alongside many other NGOs and associations, I had the opportunity to participate in this important meeting organised by UNESCO as

Beijing +30: Women’s rights at risk

Blog by Marie Christine Gries, SI Representative to UNESCO, Paris. On 6 March 2025, SI Representative to UNESCO, Marie Christine Gries, attended a symposium entitled ‘Beijing +30: Women's rights at risk’ in the lead up to International Women’s Day. In this blog, Marie Christine covers some of the key points

Bridging the Biodiversity Financing Gap: Key Outcomes from COP16 Resumed Session

Blog by Liliana Mosca, SI Representative at the FAO, Rome. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), organised the resumed session of the Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) from 25 to 27

Jaha Dukureh at International Women’s Day Commemoration

Blog by Janet Schempf, President of SI Anchorage, Alaska Jaha Dukureh at International Women’s Day Commemoration, New York Dignity is not negotiable. Equality is not optional. And freedom is not a dream The United Nations commemorated International Women’s Day at the UN General Assembly Hall on 7 March 2025. One

Advancing Gender Equality in the Digital Age

Blog written by Elizabeth Peterson, 2024–2026 North Atlantic Region Governor, Soroptimist International of Connecticut Shoreline In March 2021, I attended numerous virtual sessions during the 65th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65). These sessions underscored the escalating challenges posed by the digital realm, particularly concerning the safety and empowerment

Empowering Global Health through Collaboration and local resource mobilisation

Blog by Dr. Olga Tzortzatou Nanopoulou, SI Representative to the UN in Geneva. During a recent meeting of the Civil Society Commission meeting, on the 25th March 2025, emphasis was placed on the critical importance of stronger collaboration between civil society, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other key stakeholders

CSW69 Political Declaration

Blog by Pat Black, SI Advocacy Advisor. The Political Declaration adopted at the 69th Session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) reaffirms global commitments to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The Political Declaration is an official statement which serves as