PC(USA) Invites Nominations for Delegates to the 2026 UN Commission on the Status of Women

Greetings from the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations! The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), along with Presbyterian Women, will form a joint delegation to attend the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) to be held March 9–20, 2026.  CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.  We are proud to be a part of this community of over 5,000 participants from around the world, including UN Member States, UN programs, agencies, and civil society who come together to further gender equity. 

The priority theme for the 70th session is “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” and the review theme is “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). 

We are reaching out to you to nominate people from your presbyteries and synods to participate in CSW70. If you know anyone who would benefit from this learning and leadership opportunity, please have them fill out this application form before January 4th, 2025. Due to high demand and limited spots, we recommend submitting the application before the deadline. Individuals selected as delegates should have some knowledge of or interest in the issues addressed by CSW70. In addition, efforts will be made to select a delegation that reflects the diversity of PC(USA) including age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, and geographical distribution. Priority will also be given to young adult Presbyterian applicants (ages 18-30). More information on CSW, expectations of delegates, the tentative schedule, and more can be found on the application form. In addition, here is an overview from CSW69 for a flavor of what CSW looks like each year. 

We look forward to having delegates from your Mid Council join us here in New York in March! If you have any questions regarding CSW or the CSW application, please do not hesitate to reach out to Clare Balsan, our Advocacy Associate, by email (clare.balsan@pcusa.org) or phone (502-612-6130).