A Global Milestone: The UN Turns 80

United Nations Committee – September 2025

Submitted by Barbara Bozeman

Global change never takes a holiday - and this September, the United Nations marks a milestone: it’s 80^th anniversary. Since the UN Charter was signed in 1945, the world’s challenges have shifted, but the need for cooperation, equality , and shared action has only grown stronger.

A Global Table, A Shared Agenda

Every September, the world gathers in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Presidents, prime ministers, diplomats, and civil society leaders meet to set priorities, address global challenges, and remind us that the world’s problems and their solutions are shared.

This year, the 80^th session of the UNGA carries special weight. It’s not only the usual high-level discussions, but also a commemoration of eight decades of international cooperation. The High-Level General Debate will bring heads of state to the podium to share their visions forpeace, development, and humanrights.

Additional highlights include the UN’s 80^th Anniversary High-Level Meeting, the SDG Moment, Global Goals Week and a Climate Summit – all moments that spotlight global commitments to the future.

Why is this important to NFBPWC? Through BPW International’s consultative status with ECOSOC, our organization has a direct line into the work of the United Nations. What is discussed at UNGA influences the issues we advocate for in our communities and the opportunities we have to contribute to global change.

By watching and learning, we build the knowledge to link our local projects with international priorities. And when we do that, we bring NFBPWC’s mission – empowering women and advancing equality – into the broader story of global progress.

How can you be a part of it?

What is great about today’s UN is that you don’t have to be in New York to witness history and stay informed. UN WebTV streams these high-level events live and makes  them  available  on-demand. From your own home, you can:

• Watch world leaders outline their priorities for peace, equality and sustainability

• Take note of what goals or initiatives resonate with you.

• Share what you learn with your community, your workplace, or your BPW club.

https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule

Call to Action: This month dedicate one hour to the UN’s80^th Anniversary.

• Choose an event to watch on UN WebTV.

• Write down one insight or idea that inspires you.

• Share it – with a friend, on social media, or at your next BPW meeting.

When we stay curious, connected and informed, we ensure that NFBPWC voices remain part of the global dialogue. Let’s celebrate the UN’s 80 years not only by watching history, but by helping to shape the decades ahead.

DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO “KEEP UP WITH THE UN!”

Be part of it.Explore the headlines.Sign up for updates. Stay curious.

Stay Connected with the United Nations:

For those who want to follow more closely, here are key links to bookmark:

• UnitedNationsMainWebsite– https://www.un.org

• UN News – https://news.un.org

• UN WebTV (Watch live & on-demand events) – https://media.un.org/en/webtv

• UN Women – https://www.unwomen.org

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – https://sdgs.un.org/goals

• UnitedNationsonLinkedIn– https://www.linkedin.com/company/unitednations

To learn more or to get involved with our United Nations efforts, email unchair@nfbpwc.org.

“Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform – Together We Shape a Sustainable Future”

Greetings BPW Sisters! I hope you are all having a wonderful summer and are having some time to relax.

As the International Federation of Business and Professional Women celebrates it’s 95^th anniversary on August 26th, I hope you have had an opportunity to reflect on the vision of our founder Dr. Lena Madeson Phillips. She was an amazing woman, and she was years ahead of her time. She wanted to unite women in the United States and founded the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs in St. Louis, Missouri in 1919. From there she had an international vision and USA, along with Austria, Canada, France, Great Britain and Italy founded the International Federation in 1930 in Geneva, Switzerland. She believed that gaining economic equality would enable women to achieve equality in education, social and political aspects of society. She was quoted to say “if our motive is right, if we have faith, vision and courage, accomplishment must come.” What a wise woman, and these words still ring true today!

NAC will be holding 2 Webinars in September and I hope you will mark your calendars to attend. Following in Dr. Lena Madeson’s footsteps, Advocacy work is important to improve the lives of women, along with developing strong leadership. Registration details are below:

September 15 7 pm EDT NAC Advocacy on the Line – Crafting Position Papers to Spark Change https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mlnHICS KRQOeaG5ZpldMWA

September 29 7 pm EDT Empowering BPW Leaders https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Dt- 5hPNvTA2VZ5igQO3eJg

I wish you all the best as we move into September, with back to school and back to work.

Respectfully submitted,

Karin Gorgerat

BPW International Regional Coordinator

North America and Caribbean

Better Together: Women Leading the Future of Peace, Development, and Human Rights

Each September, the world turns its eyes to New York as the United Nations General Assembly gathers to set the global agenda. This year’s theme, Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights, offers us a timely reminder that while governments and institutions carry responsibilities, it is people who build the fabric of peace and progress. And within that, women play a defining role.

For eight decades, the United Nations has stood as a symbol of international cooperation, yet peace, development, and human rights remain fragile and unevenly distributed. Women continue to face disproportionate barriers to safety, education, economic participation, and leadership. At the same time, history demonstrates that when women stand together, societies are more resilient, businesses are more sustainable, and communities are more just.

For business and professional women, the call is even clearer. We are not simply participants in the workplace; we are architects of the future. Our choices as leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and advocates set the stage for generations to follow. The balance sheets we prepare, the policies we implement, the partnerships we cultivate - each has an echo that reaches far beyond boardrooms and businesses. These decisions affect families, communities, and ultimately, the stability of nations.

To be better together means rejecting isolation and competition as the dominant models of success. It means understanding that the rise of one woman does not come at the expense of another but opens the door wider for all. It means mentoring young women who are only beginning to glimpse their potential, and it means amplifying the voices of those too often left unheard.

This responsibility is not optional. At a time when conflicts are increasing, when technology is outpacing regulation, and when inequality continues to erode trust, women have the opportunity - and the obligation - to lead differently. We bring to the table empathy, collaboration, and a holistic vision of progress that connects profit to purpose. If the next 80 years are to be marked by greater peace, more  inclusive development, and stronger protection of human rights, it will be because women refused to stand on the sidelines.

As members of NFBPWC and the international BPW community, we carry this legacy forward. Our networks span cultures, continents, and sectors. That diversity is our strength. Together, we can build not only businesses that thrive but societies that endure.

The United Nations theme is a global call, but for us it is also personal. Better together is not just an aspiration; it is a mandate. The future is watching, and it will remember whether we stood together as women, as professionals, and as leaders committed to peace, development, and human rights for all.

Larisa Miller

BPW GALWAY & NFBPWC USA NFBPWC INTERNATIONAL

Relations Chair (2024-2026) International Liaison

UN Standing Committee

SW: Beyond March. Every Day, Every Voice

Converting Awareness into Action

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Committee – September 2025

In August, we opened the door to a broader understanding of CSW: it isn’t a two-week gathering in March, but a continuous cycle of dialogue, commitment, and implementation. March is simply when the spotlight shines; the real work stretches through every month that follows.

NFBPWC has a proud legacy of showing up, but showing up is no longer enough. Our challenge now is to speak up, step up, and act. The global conversation on women’s equality is happening all year, and our voices, projects and solutions must be part of it.

CSW – What Happens Beyond March? CSW’s annual outcomes, whether Agreed Conclusions, or in milestone years, a Political Declaration, don’t stop at the closing gavel in March. They set the agenda for the year ahead, shaping government policies, UN priorities, and NGO Advocacy.

Implementations:

• CSW66 (2022) Countries began integrating gender considerations into their national climate strategies, adopting gender-responsive climate action plans and expanding women’s leadership roles in disaster risk reduction.

• CSW67 (2023) Efforts to close the digital gender divide accelerated, with initiatives to increase women’s access to STEM education, digital finance and technology leadership opportunities.

• CSW68 (2024) Regional assessments were launched in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to monitor how commitments were being implemented, ensuring accountability across different contexts.

• CSW69 (2025) Marking 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action, CSW issued a Political Declaration reaffirming governments’ responsibility to fund civil society and gender equality programs in sustainable and flexible ways.

These examples remind us: March is when the goals are agreed/created – but every one of the other 11 months is when progress is made.

What are Parallel Events? Parallel Events are civil society led sessions that run alongside the official / formal CSW proceedings. Hosted by NGOs, they create space for organizations like NFBPWC to highlight projects, share solutions, and spark global partnerships.

They are significant in that they are accessible, flexible, and diverse.

• Accessible: Any NGO with ECOSOC consultative status can apply to host.

• Flexible: They can be in-person in New York or fully virtual, allowing widest participation globally.
  

• Diverse: Topics span everything from entrepreneurship and education to sustainability, health, human rights, and beyond.

What does it take to host a virtual parallel event:

• A message that matters (a project, story or solution)

• A small team (at least two or three people who can plan content, recruit speakers, and moderate)

• A format (workshop, panel, storytelling session or interactive dialogue)

• Technical readiness (a stable platform like Zoom or the equivalent, clear instructions for participants, and time management to keep the session on track)

Hosting a parallel event is less about expertise in UN procedures and more about having the courage to bring your local story into the global conversation.

Why It Matters: These events are how we ensure our ideas and projects don’t stay local—they become part of the global dialogue on women’s equality.

Looking Ahead to CSW70: How Can You Get Involved? That work begins now. Hosting a parallel event is our opportunity to move from awareness to action, by bringing our projects, priorities, and voices into the global spotlight. In doing so, we not only showcase the creativity and determination of NFBPWC but also contribute to shaping the future of women’s equality worldwide.

A planning and vision session will be held very soon – the date to be announced. This is where ideas become action plans, collaborators connect, and the first steps toward CSW70 take shape.

This is our moment to lead. This is our moment to act.

This is our moment to make CSW70 a true celebration of NFBPWC voices, ideas and leadership. If you are ready to get involved or want to learn more, email csw@nfbpwc.org.

Submitted by

Barbara Bozeman President, NFBPWC 2024-2026

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

CSW:

During the UN General Assembly High-level week 2025, there will be a “High-level Meeting on the 30^th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women” on September 22^nd from 10am to 8pm. This is available for viewing via UN WebTV

Global Change Never Takes A Holiday

United Nations Committee – August 2025

Submitted by Barbara Bozeman

Global change never takes a holiday - and neither does the work of the United Nations.

Every week, leaders, NGOs, civil society, and your everyday advocates gather to tackle the challenges of the world. Things like sustainable development, gender equality, climate change, and the list goes on.

With the latest High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) wrapping up (July 23), it reinforces to us all, what an amazing living hub of ideas, negotiations and shared sense of responsibility and duty the United Nations is. Governments, NGOs and those citizen voices came together in New York City to measure progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Though not directly from NFBPWC, we as an organization and you as a member, enjoy the benefits of consultative status through BPW International. But that is not the only way you can connect and be part of the journey.

Stay informed by following UN News, read key outcomes like the HLPF reports and even attend open sessions, side events and parallel events when possible. Every bit of knowledge helps us bring global conversations home and turns international commitments into local action.

DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO “KEEP UP WITH THE UN!”

Be part of it. Explore the headlines. Sign up for updates. Stay curious.

CALL TO ACTION FOR AUGUST:

15 Minutes to Gender Equality (SDG 5)

This month, honor SDG 5 by learning one new fact about global women’s equality and then share it.

Here’s how:

1) Visit UN Women or UN SDG 5 – pick a statistic or story that surprises you or resonates with you.

2) Explore why it matters locally (how does this show up in your community, workplace or family?)

https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165476

3) Don’t keep it to yourself. Talk about it with a friend. Write about it. Share it in your social media.

From UN News (https://news.un.org/en/ )

https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165475

https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/moment-opportunity-2025

To learn more or to get involved with our United Nations efforts, email unchair@nfbpwc.org

“The common good, equity, and happiness are a state of mind.”

Olga Ahumada: A Visionary Leader at the Helm of BPW Latin America

by Paula Viñals

The new Coordinator of BPW Latin America is Olga Ahumada, from  Argentina,

President of BPW Argentina Federation, contemporary society that includes concern for the long-term sustainability of the system.

Mar del Plata, Argentina – Prominent businesswoman and social leader Olga Ahumada takes on a new challenge in her already impressive career by being appointed Latin America Coordinator for Business and Professional Women (BPW) International.

Ahumada, whose career has been marked by a tireless commitment to women's empowerment and business development, is preparing to lead the region toward new horizons of growth and inclusion.

With extensive experience at BPW, Olga Ahumada has been a key figure in promoting the organization's

values at the local and international levels. Her vast career includes leadership roles in

various initiatives that have promoted women's participation in the economic and social spheres. Her strategic vision and management skills have positioned her as one of the most influential voices in the debate on gender equality and corporate sustainability.

As Latin America Coordinator, Ahumada has set

Map Above: *BPW International has 10 Member countries in the Latin America Region: 4 Affiliate Federations and 6 countries with Affiliate Clubs.

herself an ambitious agenda focused on strengthening the BPW network in the region, fostering collaboration between the different national chapters, and developing innovative programs that respond to the specific needs of Latin American businesswomen and professionals. She will lead efforts in the region to strengthen the network and promote the organization's impact, reflecting on history to move forward and forge a great future for the institution, taking into account its needs and highlighting creative work in Latin America that has an impact on the entire world. Olga tells us that her philosophy of life is the development of critical, reflective, and analytical thinking, observing the reality we have, which is what leads her to work for the common good and equity, without forgetting that human happiness is a state of mind.

For Olga, philosophy is the link that fosters dialogue between art, religion, science, technology, and the institution itself, serving as a tool that allows us to conceive of a life.

Among its priorities are promoting female leadership, access to training and financing opportunities, and creating strategic alliances with public and private organizations.

“My commitment is to work tirelessly to make BPW Latin America a platform for opportunities and growth for all women in the region,” said Ahumada. “We firmly believe in the transformative power of women in society and the economy, and we are determined to continue paving the way for their potential to be fully realized.”

Olga Ahumada's leadership is expected to bring renewed dynamism to BPW Latin America, consolidating its role as a leading organization in promoting women's empowerment and creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

“Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform – Together We Shape a Sustainable Future”

Greetings BPW Sisters! I would like to congratulate the NFBPWC Executive on their 1-year anniversary of being elected to their important positions. Every Federation and Club needs people to step up to Executive positions and they are to be commended. I hope you will all consider a nomination to one of these positions in either your Club, your State or Nationally as they become available – your organization needs you. I guarantee that you will get back much more than you give – personally and professionally.

In NAC our Training Coordinator Sujata Tijari will be hosting a Webinar on September 29 at 7 pm EDT – “Empowering BPW Leaders”. This webinar will help current and new executive with their positions, as well as help other members to see the value of becoming part of the executive team. Stay tuned for details on how to register!

Coming up on August 26th is BPW Day – our 95th anniversary  of  the  International  Federation  of Business and Professional Women!!! I hope you will all take time to celebrate our fantastic organization – posting photos of the work done by your Club/State/Federation and wearing BPW Yellow!!! Let’s spread the word that we are 95 years old and people are missing out so they should join us with the great work we are doing!!! We will wish our BPW Asia- Pacific sisters well at their Conference in Malaysia August 24-26 as they celebrate together BPW Day.

I wish you all the best as you take some time to rest and rejuvenate this summer. I hope you will have extra time with your family and friends.

Respectfully submitted,

Karin Gorgerat

BPW International Regional Coordinator

North America and Caribbean

Rethinking Impact: A Call to BPW on the Sustainable Development Goals

This month, I had the honor of representing BPW International as a member of the United Nations Standing Committee at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York. While I, along with other members of our UN Standing Committee, carried the flag for our global sisterhood in those formal sessions, this reflection comes from my position as International Liaison for NFBPWC, speaking to all of us who are committed to ensuring our work has real, measurable impact.

The reality we faced throughout the week was sobering: globally, we are not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. In fact, we’re falling behind. Climate instability, widening inequality, weakening institutional trust, and increasing resource scarcity are stalling or reversing hard-fought progress. The sense of urgency at the UN was palpable, and the takeaway was clear. This is not the moment for symbolic gestures or vague goals. This is the moment for precision, discipline, and outcome- driven action.

Good intentions are not enough. Across BPW, we are engaged in important projects that align with the SDGs. But alignment alone isn’t the goal. We have to move from intention to quantifiable impact, and that requires narrowing our focus. It will also require us to produce a BPW annual global impact report, which will elevator our ability to gain and maintain our credibility as a multilateral organization of impact.

Too often, we frame our projects around themes that are important but expansive. Terms like “climate action” and “gender equality” carry weight, but without clear focus, our efforts can become scattered. When we try to tackle everything at once, it becomes difficult to measure the true impact we’re making, risking the perception that we’re trying to boil the proverbial ocean. The work we do matters: to women, to youth, to the underserved, to those in war- torn regions, and to individuals facing forced migration for countless reasons. It matters to entrepreneurs and innovators, to business and professional women around the world. But it must translate into tangible outcomes. By narrowing the scope of our projects, we can sharpen our efforts and deliver impact that is not only visible, but deeply felt, sustained, measurable, and well-documented.

BPW has an opportunity to be regarded as a global thought leader, standing shoulder to shoulder with the other large, trusted multilateral organization. We have the global reach, credibility, and access to some of the world’s most critical policy forums. That isn’t just a privilege, it’s a responsibility. And if we want to lead, we must move beyond regional discussion and impact and become active contributors to the global conversation, together.

One of the most important mandates we must embrace across the organization is the consistent writing of position papers - documents that articulate our mission with clarity, evidence-based insights, and focused language that establishes our position in the areas where we’re making measurable impact. These papers should not stay internal. They must be circulated to UN working groups, policy stakeholders, elected officials worldwide, and the broader public. In parallel, we need to equip and encourage our members to write LinkedIn articles that articulate our work, our perspective, and our vision. We should be speaking at summits, publishing in journals, and showing up in the rooms - virtual and physical - where thought leadership is shaping global agendas. We also need to prioritize our digital presence: improve our SEO, strengthen our brand capital, and grow our generative capital. People won’t know our value unless we tell them. We must actively draw others into our conversations, inviting them to listen, learn, and engage from the outside through open webinars, panels, and master classes. BPW must not only have a global voice, we must ensure that voice is visible, accessible, and impossible to ignore. Being visible isn’t about recognition. It’s about influence. Organizations that are seen as drivers of real solutions are the ones that attract support, funding, partnership, membership, and contribute to the next generation of leaders.

As an organization for business and professional women, our work must reflect not only our commitment to women’s rights but also the issues that matter most to women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and the global workforce. Our projects should be designed at the intersection of gender equity and professional advancement, where our members live and lead every day.

BPW has made meaningful strides in promoting equal pay and economic mobility, but we have the opportunity to deepen that impact by developing shared toolkits for advocacy, including templates for members to write op-eds and LinkedIn articles that spotlight our efforts and expertise. For business and professional women, the real value lies in practical, visible action. So at our BPW conferences, we should prioritize programming that supports this. Include sessions focused on how to advocate for pay equity in the workplace, how to build partnerships across industries, and how to use our voices to influence policy and corporate practice. Just as important, we need a “Get to Know Us” session at every event - structured time where members introduce who they are, what they do, what they need, and what they can offer. Real collaboration and business growth don’t come from online directories - they come from being in the same room, making eye contact, and finding the spark of opportunity through conversation.

What is the ‘why’ behind our work? When our members see that their contributions drive measurable progress, they stay engaged. When external stakeholders see BPW as a serious voice in global development, they come to the table. And when our efforts are focused and disciplined, we stop simply responding to the world’s challenges, and we start reshaping them.

The SDGs are not abstract metrics. They represent the future of our communities, our rights, and our planet. We must treat them with the seriousness they deserve.

BPW doesn’t need to be everywhere. We don’t need to be everywhere. But we must be deeply present somewhere,  whether  that’s  advancing  women’s leadership in corporate governance, addressing energy poverty in rural communities, building resilience for women in climate-impacted industries, or driving legislative change around pay equity. “Somewhere” means choosing a focused area where our collective voice, skills, and resources can drive measurable change. When we commit fully to that space, we not only make our presence count, we make it impossible to ignore.

Larisa Miller

BPW GALWAY & BPW USA NFBPWC INTERNATIONAL

Relations Chair (2024-2026) International Liaison

UN Standing Committee

CSW: Beyond March. Every Day, Every Voice Converting Awareness into Action

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Committee – August 2025

Last month, we talked about where we’ve been and where we are going when it comes to the United Nations and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). As we look ahead, it is vital to understand two truths:

• CSW is not just two weeks in March – It’s every day!
• And as one UN speaker reminded us this month: awareness means little if we don’t convert awareness into action.

NFBPWC has a legacy of showing up, but we need to show up and speak up. That means turning what we learn into what we do. It means bringing our voices, ideas, and local stories into the global conversation where real change happens.

Between now and the end of 2025, our goal is simple:

NFBPWC members will apply to host at least three parallel virtual events during CSW70. We will turn awareness into action by putting our priorities and projects on the global stage - anyone with passion and a plan can make it happen.

In the months ahead, we’ll share tips and support to help you build an idea, find collaborators, and lead a session with confidence. You don’t have to be a UN expert; you just need a message that matters.

Do you have a message that matters and the courage to stand up for it? Now’s the time.

If you are ready to get involved or want to learn more, email csw@nfbpwc.org.

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

Submitted by

Barbara Bozeman

President

NFBPWC 2024-2026

Standing Steady, Reaching Global: NFBPWC and the United Nations

United Nations Committee – July 2025
Submitted by Barbara Bozeman

As we reflect on July’s theme —BPW: Past, Present, and Future—we are reminded that our organization’s deep-rooted relationship with the United Nations has always been one of our greatest strengths. From the early days of post-war diplomacy to today’s interconnected world, NFBPWC and BPW International have stood for peace, equality, and opportunity for women—everywhere.

In the past, we laid the groundwork. BPW leaders contributed to the founding principles of the UN, championed the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women, and were among the first civil society voices advocating for gender-inclusive development. We believed then—as we do now—that a better world depends on the full participation of women in every sector and at every level.

In the present, that global connection matters more than ever.
We find ourselves in a moment of heightened tension at home.  Public discourse is polarized, trust in institutions is strained, and the very rights and resources that women have long worked to secure are once again under review. Yet in this environment, NFBPWC’s role remains clear: to be a steady, respectful, and principled force for progress.
What sets us apart is that we are not isolated. As part of BPW International, we are part of a powerful, global network spanning over 100 countries and holding consultative status with the United Nations.

That global positioning gives us a platform—and a responsibility. While politics may shift and opinions may differ, the shared values of dignity, equality, education, and opportunity unite us beyond borders and beyond partisanship.

In the future, we will continue to use that platform to educate, advocate, and connect. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer us a roadmap—and we know that local actions can lead to global impact. In every corner of our organization, members are already doing the work: mentoring girls, supporting women entrepreneurs, protecting the environment, advancing human rights.

Despite the noise of today’s political climate, we encourage every member to stay engaged. Learn more about how international frameworks like the SDGs connect to the issues you care about. Use your voice to respectfully engage with elected officials. Collaborate with others across party lines. And remember: our strength lies not just in our positions, but in our persistence.

BPW has never been about standing still. It’s about moving forward together—with vision, courage, and civility.

Let us honor the legacy of those who came before us, meet the moment we are in, and step boldly into the future we are building—locally and globally.

To learn more or to get involved with our United Nations efforts, email un@nfbpwc.org.

UN80 Reforms: A Turning Point for Gender Equality and Migration Policy

By Eva Richter, NFBPWCNY
The United Nations is turning 80 this year and is facing very hard times. Many nations, the US and China prominent among them, have not paid their dues and seem to show no sign of doing so; the US has defunded and dismantled 90% of US AID, which heretofore has funded humanitarian projects worldwide, many of them under UN jurisdiction. The institution has become increasingly bureaucratic, with agencies and programs overlapping in both mandates and jurisdictions. Migration and refugee flows have increased amid rising restrictions, barriers and punitive policies against the free movement of peoples, flying in the face of UN compacts, previously agreed to by Member States, that guarantee safe, orderly, and well-managed migration.

Several years in the making but given urgency by the current crisis, the UN80 Initiative is eyeing cost- cutting and consolidation. Secretary-General António Guterres has outlined a three-pronged strategy: streamlining operations, reassessing mandates, and realigning programs to enhance efficiency and impact. In addition, he is proposing relocating various offices and agencies to regional hubs. Leases on some office buildings in New York have been allowed to lapse.

The initiative has raised concerns—particularly regarding its implications for gender equality and immigration policy. For members of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC), this moment offers both a challenge and an opportunity to advocate for inclusive, rights-based reforms that align with our mission and the UN’s global commitments. We must turn our efforts to what we can accomplish locally on the civil and legislative fronts, making our voices heard, partnering with like-minded organizations to amplify our voices, appealing to local and national governing bodies to implement strategies and programs to support our goals.

Gender Equality and UNIFEM: At a Crossroads
Insiders warn that the UN80 reforms may consolidate or downsize key human rights offices, including those focused on gender-based violence and women’s rights such as UNIFEM and UN Women. One proposal is to collapse several protection mandates that operate as solo offices — such as Children and Armed Conflict, Sexual Violence in Conflict and Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse — into one, according to the suggestions in a leaked confidential document. The single body would be called the Office for the Protection  of  Vulnerable  Populations. Such restructuring could dilute the visibility and effectiveness of gender-focused programming and deliver a blow to the cause of gender equality.

This is particularly troubling given the UN’s own acknowledgment that gender equality is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5. The risk is not just symbolic; it could mean fewer resources for programs that protect women in conflict zones, support female entrepreneurs, and promote women’s leadership in climate action.

Migration Reform: UNHCR, IOM, and OSHA in the Spotlight. The UN80 Initiative also intersects with global migration governance. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are key players in implementing the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a complementary role in ensuring labor protections for migrant workers—especially women, who are often vulnerable to exploitation in informal sectors. A plan is being floated to consolidate these three entities, establishing the resultant migration office in Geneva, which is already the center of most UN discussion on migration.

Aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda and Climate Agreements
The UN80 reforms arrive at a critical juncture for the 2030 Agenda, which all UN nations have committed to supporting, though President Trump has recently repudiated these. Any reform that sidelines gender or migration undermines the UN’s ability to deliver also on its climate and development promises that disproportionately affect women and girls.

What Can NFBPWC Members Do? As advocates for working women and gender equity, NFBPWC members are uniquely positioned to influence this global conversation. Here are two concrete actions we can take, together with their suggested implementations:

1.   Advocate for Gender-Responsive Budgeting in UN Reforms
Write to U.S. representatives and UN mission delegates urging them to support gender-responsive budgeting in the UN80 framework.
Uphold the central importance of the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which is nowhere mentioned in the discussion of reform. Use NFBPWC’s platform to mobilize members with sample letters and talking points tailored to this issue.
Partner with like-minded organizations to amplify our voice through joint statements and social media campaigns.

2.   Promote Migrant Women’s Rights in GCM and GCR Implementation
Host webinars and panel discussions featuring experts from UNHCR, IOM, and OSHA, NGOs, academia and individual migrants and their stories, to educate members on the intersection of gender and migration. Partner with like-minded organizations such as the Women in Migration Network (WIMN) to amplify our voice through joint statements and social media campaigns.

Encourage local chapters to support community- based organizations that assist migrant women with legal aid, job training, health services and housing.

A Call to Action
The UN80 Initiative is not just a bureaucratic reshuffle—it’s a litmus test for the UN’s commitment to its founding principles. As NFBPWC members, we must ensure that gender equality and migrant rights are not sidelined in the name of efficiency. Our advocacy, grounded in over a century of championing women’s rights, can help shape a more inclusive and resilient United Nations.

The proposed restructuring includes plans to relocate agencies to less expensive regions and cities, including Nairobi (UNIFEM, UN Women, UN Population Fund); Valencia, Spain (UNICEF). Other regional locations are also in contest. FAO has long been established in Rome.

Our organization operates in over 100 countries, and therefore we are uniquely placed to exercise our UN mandate in many of the regions and countries that will now assume greater UN prominence. We can rise to this moment with the same imagination and commitment our organization has always displayed, advocating for human and civil rights, agency and dignity for all women and girls everywhere. Together, we can ensure that, despite budget cuts, consolidations and dislocations, the next 80 years of the United Nations are more equitable, inclusive, and just than the last.