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’s engagement with CSW strengthens our mission to advocate for a more just and equitable world. Through this international platform, we ensure that Canadian women’s voices are heard and that our national advocacy aligns with global priorities — including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Beijing Platform for Action.
If you are interested in joining the Canadian delegation for CSW70 or supporting our UNCSW initiatives, watch for our Call for Delegates in October 2025 or contact our Vice President UNCSW at [email protected].
Together, we move from global dialogue to local action — empowering women at all levels.
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.
