Understanding the United Nations means understanding how we, as women leaders, can be part of shaping a better world.

In recognition of International Day of Women in Diplomacy – June 24th

we are honored to introduce to you:

Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams formally assumed her present appointment as St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations on 15 January 2024 after presenting her credentials to the United Nations Secretary General. Ambassador Williams currently serves as co-facilitator of the Revitalization of the Commission on the Status of Women; a UN Member State-led process aimed at strengthening the Commission to ensure that it is fit-for-purpose in advancing gender equality and the rights and empowerment of all women and girls. She previously served as the Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Caucus where she appeared before the UN Security Council on several occasions advocating on behalf of Haiti. Ambassador Williams also served as Chair for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC) at the UN.

Full biography HERE.

From NFBPWC United Nations Special Committee: we extend appreciation to H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams for her work.

Getting to Know the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Global Impact from Local Actions

By: Barbara Bozeman, President, NFBPWC

In 2015, all 193 United Nations member states—including the United States—adopted a shared plan called the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a call to action for all countries and communities to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.

These goals are broad, ambitious, and deeply interconnected. But you don’t have to be a diplomat or a government agency to make a difference. Meaningful contributions come from individuals, committees, and clubs.

1. No Poverty - End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

• Host a financial literacy workshop for women
• Partner with a shelter to provide hygiene kits
• Collect professional attire for job-seekers

2. Zero Hunger - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

• Organize a community garden
• Volunteer at or donate to a food bank
• Host a plant-based cooking class

3. Good Health and Well-Being - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.

• Partner with clinics for wellness screenings
• Promote maternal health awareness
• Organize a walk/run to raise funds for women’s health

4. Quality Education - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• Support scholarships for women in STEM
• Volunteer in adult literacy programs
• Host a “career day” for girls

5. Gender Equality - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

• Join or host Equal Pay Day events
• Mentor survivors of gender-based violence
• Advocate for workplace harassment prevention policies

6. Clean Water and Sanitation - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

• Educate about menstrual hygiene
• Support sanitation access for homeless women
• Advocate for clean water in schools

7. Affordable and Clean Energy - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

• Host a solar energy info session
• Support clean energy legislation
• Fundraise for solar cookers in developing nations

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

• Promote women-owned businesses
• Hold a résumé and interview prep event
• Teach entrepreneurship workshops

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

• Host a “Girls in Tech” event
• Tour a local sustainable manufacturer
• Raise funds for rural internet access

10. Reduced Inequalities - Reduce inequality within and among countries.

• Partner with disability advocacy groups
• Promote inclusive hiring practices
• Host forums on systemic barriers

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

• Partner on urban green space projects
• Organize a neighborhood cleanup
• Encourage local disaster preparedness planning

12. Responsible Consumption and Production - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

• Host a “zero waste” workshop
• Promote secondhand fashion swaps
• Teach upcycling crafts

13. Climate Action - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

• Host climate-focused speaker panels
• Encourage tree planting
• Advocate for local climate plans

14. Life Below Water - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

• Organize a beach or river cleanup
• Educate about microplastics
• Support marine wildlife groups

15. Life on Land - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

• Plant pollinator-friendly gardens
• Support conservation nonprofits
• Host a wildlife education event

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

• Support civics education for girls
• Host conversations on justice reform
• Observe International Day of Peace (Sept 21)

17. Partnerships for the Goals - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

• Collaborate with other local organizations
• Connect with global BPW clubs for project sharing
• Attend UN or NGO briefings

Want to go deeper?

• Official UN SDG Page: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
• UN SDG Learn (Free Courses): https://www.unsdglearn.org

---

UN News, Breaking UN News, 23 May 2025, Peace and Security

By: Susan O’Malley, IFBPW, Chair of Nominating Committee

Diplomats prepare ground for June Conference on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, as outlined in GA res.79/81. The Conference will produce an action- oriented outcome document entitled “Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the 2-State Solution.”

Pictured Left: Members of the United Nations during the 2- State Solution Conference. Photographer Loey Felipe, UN Photo 5/23/2025