VGIF at the United Nations

Statement on Peace and Racism
VGIF is one of 163 NGOs singators of the statement on peace and racism presented to the 10th session of the Human Rights Council on 18-February 2009. >> download

In 2004, VGIF was granted consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and in 1997 association with the United Nations’ Department of Public Information (DPI).

As an organization in consultative status, VGIF may designate authorized representatives to sit as observers at public meetings of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, and may, within guidelines, submit or make oral statements relevant to the work of ECOSOC.

VGIF is a member of the Conference of Nongovernmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO). VGIF representatives may join one or more CONGO authorized committees and may hold committee office.

As a nongovernmental organization (NGO) associated with DPI, it is VGIF’s responsibility to disseminate information about the UN and its activities to VGIF membership, which it does through its “UN News” column in the “VG Update” and in the monthly VG Flash.

DPI, in turn, provides a number of services to its more than 1,500 associated NGOs. For example, it conducts weekly briefings on a range of global issues; organizes an annual conference which brings together senior UN officials, prominent international NGOs, academicians, public opinion makers, and international media to discuss issues of global concern; and provides a resource center offering access to UN documents, press releases and a video library.

UN Accredits VGIFUW - VG UPDATE July, 1997 - article by Wes Cady

Executive Director Fay Kittelson with Leslie Wright, Convener of the UN Committee, join Ambassador Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador at the Women Who Make a Difference Awards luncheon.  VGIF sponsored the Ambassador and took the opportunity to introduce her to VGIF's Latin American Endowment and to our grants program.  The Ambassador agreed to work with us further, as her background was for over a decade in the NGO community.