Zonta International service has been closely linked with the United Nations since Zonta expressed support for the fledgling United Nations in 1946. As an international NGO (non-governmental organization), Zonta International brings women's concerns to the UN, suggests solutions, draws public attention to issues and encourages the participation of its members at the local level.

Zonta International’s United Nations Committee
Through the United Nations Committee, Zonta maintains representatives at UN sites in Geneva, New York, Paris and Vienna. These representatives attend UN conferences, as well as various other UN agency, committee and commission sessions. Accredited NGOs, such as Zonta International, participate in these sessions by providing written statements and oral presentations on the issues being considered. NGOs also may organize panels relating to the general debate.

United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Since 1985, Zonta International has had general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of six principal bodies that carry out the work of the United Nations. ECOSOC is responsible for two-thirds of UN programs, in particular, those concerned with economic problems such as trade, industrialization and economic development, as well as social issues such as women’s rights, children and social welfare, among others. ECOSOC also makes recommendations on how to improve education and health conditions and to promote respect for and observance of the human rights and freedoms of people everywhere.

Commission on the Status of Women
One of nine functional ECOSOC committees, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the leading policymaking body concerned with women's rights and the equal status of women. Since 1946, the CSW has convened an annual conference, now attended by thousands of women from around the world, to discuss issues of paramount concern for women. Accredited NGOs, including Zonta International, participate in Commission sessions by providing written statements relating to the issues being considered. NGOs give oral presentations during the general debate and expert panels, and organize side events.

The Department of Public Information
Zonta International is one of many NGOs associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information because of its strong programs on issues of concern to women. The UN provides NGOs access to information and materials, and in turn, the NGOs agree to disseminate that information to their membership. 

Please note: Additional information on this subject available on Zonta's International website www.zonta.org