The Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Canada) is proud to hold ECOSOC Consultative Status with the United Nations, granted in 2021. This accreditation allows BPW Canada to actively participate in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) each March in New York, contributing to global discussions on gender equity and the advancement of women.
Each year, BPW Canada may send up to 20 official delegates to CSW, where they attend UN sessions, engage in civil society forums, and take part in advocacy and policy discussions. This opportunity empowers BPW members to bring Canadian perspectives to global challenges and return home with insights to support local action.
Business and Professional Women (BPW) has been actively engaged with the United Nations since its early years. BPW played a key role in lobbying for the creation of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and has long advocated for women’s rights and equality on the global stage.
BPW has held Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1947.
Today, 21 BPW representatives participate in UN processes at headquarters in New York, Vienna, and Geneva, as well as with international bodies including UNESCO, UNICEF, International Labour Organization, World Health Organization, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, the Council of Europe, the European Women’s Lobby, and UN Women.
Learn more about BPW International: https://www.bpw-international.org
BPW International/UN matters, including deadlines, can be found on the BPW and UN websites
BPW CANADA | UNITED NATIONS
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
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.
Each year, the Commission focuses on a priority theme and reviews progress on a previously agreed 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.
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.
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.
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:
Delegates are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, meals and related expenses unless otherwise indicated by BPW Canada.
Only BPW Canada members who meet BOTH of the following requirements are eligible to apply:
Applicants who do not meet both membership requirements are not eligible for consideration.
Eligible applicants must also:
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:
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Applications will be reviewed through BPW Canada’s delegation selection process.
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
Be Part of the Global Conversation on Gender Equality
Are you ready to bring your voice, experience and leadership to international discussions on issues affecting women and girls?
BPW Canada encourages eligible members to apply for this opportunity to learn, lead, advocate and collaborate on the international stage.
Complete the BPW Canada CSW71 Delegate Application below.
Applications Close: November 30, 2026
Be part of the global conversation on gender equality.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
APPLY NOW — CSW71Open to BPW Canada members in good standing who have been members for longer than one year.
Europe and North America CSW Caucus Statement – Statement on Ukraine – Women, Peace and Security
Do I have to be a delegate to participate in CSW?
No. You do not need to be an official delegate to take part in the broader CSW experience. While access to official UN meetings and UN Headquarters is restricted to appropriately registered or accredited participants, many Parallel Events and other activities are open to a wider audience, subject to the individual event’s registration requirements. CSW brings together thousands of advocates and civil society participants from around the world. UN Women
What if I can’t travel to New York?
You can still participate. Many CSW-related events offer virtual or online participation, allowing people around the world to attend discussions, panels and other activities without travelling to New York. Availability varies by event, so check each event listing for registration and virtual-access information. UN Women Data Hub
What is the purpose of CSW beyond attending events?
CSW is about much more than attending speakers and panels. It is a global forum for advocacy, collaboration, networking and influencing action on gender equality. Governments examine progress and gaps, negotiate agreed conclusions, and identify actions to advance the rights and empowerment of women and girls. Civil society uses CSW to share experiences, build partnerships, bring women’s voices and lived experiences into global discussions, and advocate for change that can continue at the national and local levels.
