BPW CANADA | UNITED NATIONS
CSW71 (2027)
Call for Delegates
Your Voice. Your Leadership.
Global Impact.
March 8–19, 2027
United Nations Headquarters, New York
BPW Canada invites eligible members to
apply to join our delegation to the
71st session of the United Nations
Commission on the Status of Women.
Applications Open:
October 13, 2026
Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
About CSW71
The United Nations Commission on the Status
of Women (CSW) is the UN's principal global
intergovernmental forum dedicated to advancing
gender equality and the empowerment of
women and girls.
For BPW Canada, participation in CSW provides
an important opportunity to bring Canadian
women's voices into international discussions,
collaborate with BPW International and civil
society organizations, and engage with Canadian
representatives and international partners.
As a delegate, you will have the opportunity
to represent BPW Canada, contribute to
discussions on global priorities affecting
women and girls, and strengthen our
organization's engagement with the
United Nations.
CSW71 Themes
Each year, the Commission focuses on a
priority theme and reviews progress on
a previously agreed theme.
Priority Theme
Accelerating the achievement of gender
equality and the empowerment of all women
and girls in the context of the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development.
Review Theme
Achieving gender equality and the empowerment
of all women and girls in the context of
climate change, environmental and disaster
risk reduction policies and programmes.
Cross-Cutting Issue
Poverty and the economic empowerment
of women.
With 2030 approaching, CSW71 provides an
important opportunity to assess progress
toward the Sustainable Development Goals,
identify remaining gaps, and discuss actions
needed to accelerate gender equality.
What Does a BPW Canada Delegate Do?
BPW Canada holds consultative status with
the United Nations Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC), enabling the organization
to accredit eligible representatives to
participate in CSW activities in New York.
Delegates are expected to:
-
Participate in relevant UN sessions,
Side Events and NGO CSW Forum programming
related to CSW71 themes.
-
Attend mandatory BPW Canada orientation
and preparation sessions.
-
Participate actively in delegation meetings
and preparatory discussions.
-
Contribute to the preparation and delivery
of BPW Canada's Parallel Event, should
one be approved.
-
Share key information, experiences and
learnings with BPW members and their
communities following CSW71.
-
Submit a post-CSW report within two weeks
of the conclusion of CSW71, highlighting
events attended, key learnings and
recommendations.
Delegate Expenses
Delegates are responsible for their own
travel, accommodation, meals and related
expenses unless otherwise indicated
by BPW Canada.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Mandatory Membership Requirements
Only BPW Canada members who meet BOTH
of the following requirements are
eligible to apply:
-
Be a current BPW Canada member
in good standing.
-
Have been a BPW Canada member
for longer than one year at
the time of application. Exceptions may be considered for members with less than one year of membership who have demonstrated a strong commitment to BPW through a significant leadership role within the organization.
Applicants who do not meet both
membership requirements are not
eligible for consideration.
Additional Requirements
Eligible applicants must also:
-
Submit a complete application
by November 30, 2026.
-
Be available to participate in person
during CSW71 Week One in New York,
March 8–12, 2027.
-
Participate in mandatory preparation
and orientation sessions.
-
Commit to contributing to BPW Canada's
CSW71 activities, including a potential
Parallel Event.
-
Submit a delegate report within two
weeks following CSW71.
How Are Delegates Selected?
BPW Canada seeks to build a delegation
that reflects the knowledge, leadership,
experiences and diversity of its membership.
Priority consideration may be given to
eligible applicants who:
-
Hold or have held BPW leadership roles
at the local, provincial, national
or international level.
-
Are active members of the BPW Canada
UN & CSW Committee.
-
Demonstrate knowledge of or experience
related to CSW71 themes.
-
Are first-time CSW participants
and/or Young BPW (YBPW) members.
-
Bring diverse perspectives, expertise
and experiences that strengthen
BPW Canada's participation.
Meeting the eligibility requirements
does not guarantee selection.
Applications will be reviewed through
BPW Canada's delegation selection process.
Important Dates
October 13, 2026
Applications open
November 30, 2026
Application deadline
December 11, 2026
Applicants notified
January 22, 2027
Indico registration deadline for
accepted delegates (to be confirmed)
Early February 2027
Mandatory preparation and orientation
March 7, 2027
BPW Canada core delegation arrives
in New York
March 8–12, 2027
CSW71 Week One / core delegation
To Be Confirmed
BPW Canada Parallel Event
March 13, 2027
Week One delegates depart
March 19, 2027
CSW71 concludes
