Soroptimist International is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with general consultative status at the United Nations (UN).
Soroptimist International works together with other NGOs and various United Nations agencies to promote the changes necessary to make the world a better place for this and future generations.
SI is represented on the Board of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGO) and has General Consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, ECOSOC. By right of General Consultative Status with ECOSOC SI has applied for, and been granted, official relations with United Nations Specialised Agencies including:
- UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
- ILO: International Labour Organisation
- WHO: World Health Organisation
- UNIDO: United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
- FAO: Food and Agricultural Organisation
SI is also accredited with a number of ECOSOC's non-specialised agencies and commissions including:
- UNHCR: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
- UNICEF: United Nations Children's Fund
- UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme
Soroptimist International has permanent, volunteer representatives to the major United Nations centres in New York, Geneva and Vienna, UNESCO in Paris, the FAO in Rome, and UNEP in Nairobi.
It also currently has representatives at the UN Regional Commissions in Western Asia (ESCWA); South America (ECLAC); and Asia Pacific (ESCAP).
These representatives attend a broad range of meetings and committees, report back to the membership and make recommendations for the Soroptimist Programme Focus.
Soroptimists are present as accredited delegates at NGO Forums at most major International and UN Forums and Summits where the issues directly affect women. Statements are prepared outlining Soroptimist concerns and recommendations for action are made in relation to the issues under discussion.
The SI Programme Team produces brochures to distribute to other delegates (both government and other NGOs) outlining the Soroptimist position on the issues that are the focus of the particular meeting. These brochures are also made available to SI members. For more information, click on www.soroptimistinternational.org/html/un_meetings.html.