WCI ACHIEVES A
SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE STATUS
WITH THE UNITED NATIONS
On June 24, 2020, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) branch of the United Nations conferred on Welcome Clubs International (WCI) the distinct honor of a Special Consultative Status. This status represents a landmark in our organization and offers members many opportunities to benefit and contribute to women's work internationally.
​
A Special Consultative Status enables WCI to actively engage with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies and the United Nations Secretariat, programs, funds, and agencies in several ways.
For detailed information on United Nations events available to NGOs with Consultative Status and our privileges and obligations, please refer to the United Nations booklet: Working with ECOSOC: An NGOs Guide to Consultative Status (published 2018) or click the button, "Read More."
PROTOCOLS
for
SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE STATUS
To ensure that all WCI affiliated and associated clubs and their members enjoy a long-term relationship with the United Nations' ECOSOC branch, we must observe specific protocols. Any breach will result in the suspension of WCI's Special Consultative Status. Together we can work to maintain and strengthen this distinguished standing for years to come. Thank you for your cooperation.
​
Kindly keep in mind that the Special Consultative Status does not afford WCI, and WCI affiliated and associated clubs and members the following privileges:
-
Tax exemption, fundraising, travel, or diplomatic passport or immunity;
-
The use of the UN logo on personal or club stationery, business cards, websites, vehicles, buildings, etc.
Please remember that any misuse of this status, including acting contrary to the United Nations Charter or committing a politically motivated act against Member States of the United Nations, will result in the suspension of our Special Consultative Status.
About ECOSOC
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.
​
The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.
Coordination within the UN
ECOSOC links a diverse family of UN entities dedicated to sustainable development, providing overall guidance and coordination. The entities include regional economic and social commissions, functional commissions facilitating intergovernmental discussions of major global issues, and specialized agencies, programmes and funds at work around the world to translate development commitments into real changes in people’s lives.
​
Reforms over the last decade have strengthened ECOSOC’s leading role in identifying emerging challenges, promoting innovation, and achieving a balanced integration of the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental. ECOSOC is charged with giving special attention to coordinated follow-up on major UN conferences and summits.
​
Partnership with the rest of the world
Building on its coordination role within the UN system, ECOSOC is a gateway for UN partnership and participation by the rest of the world. It offers a unique global meeting point for productive dialogues among policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, foundations, businesses, youth and 3,200+ registered non-governmental organizations (which includes Welcome Clubs International, Inc.).
​
ECOSOC Subsidiary Bodies
ECOSOC oversees a complex ecosystem of subsidiary bodies, composed of regional commissions, functional commissions and expert bodies, standing committees and ad hoc bodies. The Council is entrusted to guide and coordinate the work of its subsidiary and related bodies. It thus has an influence on a wide remit of the work of the UN system on development.
​
Established by ECOSOC resolution 11(II) of 21 June 1946, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of ECOSOC. It is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
​
ECOSOC Accreditation
Non-governmental, non-profit, public or voluntary organizations may formally contribute to the work of the United Nations after being granted consultative status with the Economic and Social Council under Article 71 of the Charter of the United Nations and on Economic and Social Council Resolution 1996/31. These accredited organizations may participate in meetings of the Council and its subsidiary bodies, including the functional commissions, in accordance with the rules of procedure of those bodies.
​
As a fully-accredited non-governmental organization (NGO), and in good standing with ECOSOC,
WELCOME CLUBS INTERNATIONAL is eligible to contribute and participate at the annual sessions of the Commission on the Status of Women.
​