The Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women

Search

EN / FR

Member's Login

Empowering Women to Lead, Learn, Advocate, and Collaborate

You are here:   Home   –   Events   –   Commission on the Status of Women

Commission on the Status of Women

What is the CSW? Watch This Video

BPW/UN matters, including deadlines, can be found on the BPW and UN website

Generation Equality Forum Time is Now
Time is Now

BPW Canada at the Commission on the Status of Women

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.

BPW & United Nations

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

Why It Matters

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.

CSW70 (March 9–20, 2026)

BPW & the United Nations

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, the International Labour Organization, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the 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

CSW70 Participation

The 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) takes place in New York City from March 9–20, 2026. CSW is the UN’s largest forum on women’s rights, gender equality, and empowerment, bringing together governments, UN agencies, and civil society from around the world.

Priority Theme

Strengthening access to justice for women and girls by eliminating discriminatory laws, promoting inclusive legal systems, and addressing structural barriers.

Review Theme

Women’s full participation in public life and elimination of violence against women (Agreed Conclusions from CSW65).

BPW Delegates

Each November, BPW Canada’s Vice President for the United Nations invites members to apply to become CSW delegates. Up to 20 BPW Canada delegates are selected to:

  • Attend CSW sessions
  • Participate in civil society forums
  • Engage in advocacy activities

Delegates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

Ways Members Can Participate (Even if You Are Not a Delegate)

You do not need to be an official delegate to take part.

1. In Person (New York City)

  • NGO Parallel Events
  • Networking forums
  • Public discussions and advocacy sessions

These activities provide opportunities to connect with international advocates and attend theme-related sessions.

2. Virtual Participation (From Anywhere)

  • Attend NGO CSW Forum events and training sessions
  • Watch CSW sessions live or on demand via UN Web TV

UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org

This allows participation from anywhere at no cost.

Step-by-Step: How to Participate in Parallel Events (First-Time Guide)

Most members participate through the NGO CSW Forum, which hosts hundreds of virtual and in-person events.

Step 1 – Register on Whova

Create a free account on the event platform (Whova): https://ngocsw70.events.whova.com/registration/

Step 2 – Browse the Event Program
  • Search events by topic
  • Filter for virtual or in-person events
  • Add sessions to your personal agenda

The program is searchable, allowing you to build a custom schedule based on your interests.

Step 3 – Join Events
  • Meeting links appear in your calendar when you add events
  • Join directly from Whova at the scheduled time

Events take place throughout March 9–20 at various times of day.

Step 4 – Learn from BPW and Partner Organizations
  • BPW organizations worldwide
  • National Council of Women of Canada
  • Canadian Federation of University Women / Graduate Women International
  • YMCA
  • Zonta International
  • Canadian Labour Congress
  • Canadian Women’s Foundation

This is an excellent way to learn what BPW is doing globally and join international conversations.

Training for First-Time Participants (Strongly Recommended)

New participants are encouraged to complete the official CSW Participant Training provided by NGO CSW in partnership with the United Nations and UN Women.

  • How CSW works
  • How to navigate the schedule and platforms
  • How to register for and attend parallel events
  • How civil society organizations participate in CSW

Participant Training: https://ngocsw.org/csw70/

YouTube Training Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IFi62IRX

Additional Resources

BPW Canada CSW70 page: https://bpwcanada.com/bpw-events/commission-on-the-status-of-women/
NGO CSW website: https://ngocsw.org/csw70/

UN Web TV (official sessions): https://webtv.un.org/en

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (English)

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (French)

Resource List for Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Resource List.V4

Why Participate?

  • Learn about global women’s rights issues
  • Engage with international advocates
  • Understand BPW’s role at the UN
  • Contribute to global conversations on gender equality

This is one of BPW’s most important international advocacy activities and a meaningful way to connect local action with global impact.

BPW Canada Parallel Event – CSW70

Freedom for Empowerment: Self-Defence Redefined
The 8 Essential Pillars to Reduce Violence, Advance Gender Equity, and Enable Empowerment for All Women and Girls. In partnership with NFBPWC.

Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 12:30 – 2:00 PM EST
Place: The Church Center for the UN (CCUN), 2nd Floor
Format: Hybrid event – virtual & in-person

Whova Link: https://ngocsw70.events.whova.com/Agenda/5121965

Zoom Link: https://lnkd.in/eYffVczs

This parallel event is hosted by BPW Canada as part of CSW70 NGO Forum programming and is open to all registered participants.

Call for Delegates Process — CSW70 (2026)

Submission Deadline: Sunday, November 30, 2025

Participating in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is BPW Canada’s primary opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue on the status of women within the UN framework. It provides a platform to connect with international partners, engage with Canadian federal Ministers in attendance, and strengthen BPW Canada’s advocacy at both the national and international levels.

The 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 9–20, 2026. BPW Canada holds ECOSOC consultative status and may accredit up to 20 delegates each year.

Themes for CSW70

  • Priority theme: Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers.
  • Review theme: Women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls (agreed conclusions of the sixty-fifth session).

Delegate Responsibilities

Selected delegates will:

  • Participate in official UN sessions, NGO CSW Forum events, and Side Events related to the priority and review themes.
  • Contribute to BPW Canada’s Parallel Event (planned during Week One).
  • Attend mandatory orientation and training sessions prior to CSW.
  • Submit a post-CSW report within 2 weeks of the session’s conclusion (template provided).

Note: Delegates are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, meals, and related expenses.

Selection Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be a BPW Canada member in good standing.
  • Submit a complete application by November 30, 2025.
  • Be available to attend Week One of CSW70 (March 9–13, 2026) in person.
  • Be available to participate in BPW Canada’s Parallel Event (target date: March 12, 2026, final date/time TBC).
  • Complete and submit a delegate report within two weeks of CSW70.

Priority will be given to members who:

  • Can attend CSW70 in person.
  • Hold or have previously held a BPW leadership role (local, provincial, national, or international).
  • Are active members of the BPW Canada UN & CSW Committee.
  • Are first-time CSW participants and/or Young BPW (YBPW) members.

Apply Now

Applications are open until November 30, 2025.

👉 Click here to complete the application form

Reflecting on CSW69 and Beijing+30

The 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), held from March 10–21, 2025, marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This milestone event brought global attention to the progress made—and the persistent gaps—in achieving gender equity.

BPW Canada’s 20-member delegation participated in high-level UN events, civil society forums, and advocacy briefings. Delegates engaged with international peers, attended thematic sessions on leadership, economic empowerment, and health equity, and contributed feedback as part of the WAGE Rapid Response Team, supporting Canada’s official submission on the CSW Zero Draft.

A major highlight was BPW Canada’s official NGO CSW Parallel Event, hosted in partnership with the Gender Equity Coalition of Ontario and BPW International. Titled:

“Pathways to Gender Equity in the Workplace: Strategies to Cultivate Inclusive Workplaces, Elevate Leadership, and Expand Opportunities in Trades and STEM”

The event featured a dynamic panel of leaders working across engineering, labour, academia, and international advocacy, including:

  • Moderator: Erin Davis, Inclusion Strategist

  • Panelists: Silvia Bianchi, Mabintou Ouattara, Dani Bartlett, and Izadora Zonari Letchacoski

Held in-person at the Church Center for the United Nations and streamed online, the event explored critical strategies for promoting equity in underrepresented fields, breaking down systemic barriers, and building inclusive leadership cultures.

As part of our follow-up, BPW Canada is preparing a 2025 Delegate Summary Report, which will highlight key learnings, session takeaways, and calls to action for local and national engagement. We also continue to support member-led events across Canada to localize the global commitments of Beijing+30.

CSW69 / Beijing+30 (2025)

UN Women Logo

In 2025, the global community will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995).

The sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 10 to 21 March 2025.

Representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world are invited to attend the session.

BPW Canada Parallel Event CSW69 Flyer

Themes

The main focus of the sixty-ninth session will be on the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. The review will include an assessment of current challenges that affect the implementation of the Platform for Action and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and its contribution towards the full realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

BPW Canada has Special Consultative Status through ECOSOC and is able to have 20 Delegates attend CSW each year. Watch this page for details on applying to be one of the In Person Delegates.

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 68: March 11 to 22, 2024.

The Commission on the Status of Women is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. A functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It was established in 1946. The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

In 1996, ECOSOC expanded the commission’s mandate and decided that it should take a leading role in monitoring and reviewing progress and problems in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (the key global policy document on gender equality) and in mainstreaming a gender perspective in UN activities.

During the commission’s annual two week session, representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations and UN entities gather at UN headquarters in New York. They discuss progress and gaps in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as emerging issues that affect gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Member States agree on further actions to accelerate progress and promote women’s enjoyment of their rights in political, economic, and social fields. The outcomes and recommendations of each session form the “Agreed Conclusions” document which is forwarded to ECOSOC for follow-up.

Parallel events held by Non-governmental Organizations

Parallel events organized by NGOs are coordinated by the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW/NY), which is a group of New York–based women’s NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. For more information on the NGO CSW67 Forum and on NGO parallel events, please visit the website of NGO CSW/NY at https://ngocsw.org/

LINKS AND INFORMATION

UN Women: https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the-status-of-women

NGO CSW/NY: https://ngocsw.org/

UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/

igniteHER - Parallel Event NGO CSW

igniteHER Parallel Event NGO CSW

VIEW PRESENTATION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0kYEiSZp38

Access to Clean Water in Indigenous Communities in Canada

CSW66 NGO CSW66 Parallel event:
Access to Clean Water in Indigenous Communities in Canada

Access to Clean Water in Indigenous Communities in Canada event was hosted by the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women. It was our pleasure to welcome to the discussion moderator Patricia Crowe with our dynamic speakers Jessica Vandenberghe, Nicole Hancock and Tasha Beeds. We were truly in awe of the work these women do and their willingness to share their time with us.

If you missed the event please check out the recording.

View moderator and panelist’s bios and links here.

Europe and North America CSW Caucus Statement – Statement on Ukraine – Women, Peace and Security
Generation Equality Forum

Generation Equality Forum

“The Generation Equality Forum is a civil society–centred, global gathering for gender equality, convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France. Kicking off in Mexico City, Mexico, on 29–31 March 2021, and culminating in Paris, France, in June 2021, the Forum will secure a set of concrete, ambitious, and transformative commitments to achieve immediate and irreversible progress towards gender equality. The landmark effort will bring together governments, corporations and change to define and announce ambitious investments and policies.

The Forum responds to the fact that—despite the commitments made in Beijing in 1995 to take strategic, bold action on gender equality—progress and implementation has been slow. Not a single country today can claim to have achieved gender equality. With women’s rights at risk of rolling back further as a result of the COVID-19 crisis—due to heightened poverty and risks of gender-based violence—the Forum is a rallying point to finally achieve the human rights of all women and girls…” ~ Source

“Over twenty-five years after the historic Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Forum will take stock of progress and drive concrete actions to accelerate progress towards gender equality…” ~Source

Generation Equality: The Time is Now!

BPW Canada Members: CSW Questions? Contact BPW Canada Vice President UN/CSW at [email protected]

BPW International and United Nations Website
BPW International Website

Gender Equality and the CSW

Global History of Women's Rights

CSW History & Explanation

CSW Snapshot

CSW Snapshot

Click here or on image to view a full-page version.

Learn More
CSW

Attending the CSW

How can I become a Delegate to attend CSW at the UN in New York?

What if I cannot get a Delegate Ground Pass, can I still attend?

What if I cannot go to New York, how can I participate?

Besides attending the Speakers/Panels/Meetings and Parallel and Side Events, what is the purpose of CSW meetings?

Click here for answers to these CSW questions and more.

BPW Canada: Leaders' Summit & CSW

Click here for more 2019 photos.

BPWI Leaders' Summit

BPWI Leaders’ Summit 2019:
BPW Canada members with Susan O’Malley, Chair NGO CSW

BPW Canada members

BPW Canada members with Regional Co-Ordinator Dawne Williams:
Clare Fulcher Dinner, celebrating BPW USA 100th Anniversary, 2019

BPW Canada members

BPW Canada Members and BPW International President
(Far Left) Dr. Amany Asfour: 2018

BPW Canada and BPW International Sisters

BPW Canada and BPW International Sisters: 2017

BPW Canada and BPW International Sisters

BPW Canada and BPW International Sisters: 2009

BPW Canada Members - Canada Desk: 2009

BPW Canada Members – Canada Desk: 2009

BPW Canada Tourists: 2006

BPW Canada Tourists: 2006