The Zonta International United Nations (UN) Committee teams represent Zonta in New York at the UN Headquarters, Geneva (Human Rights, ILO, WHO), Vienna (UNODC), Bangkok (ESCAP), Nairobi (UNEP) and Paris (UNESCO). The teams ensure that Zonta’s priorities are presented and that the Zonta voice is clear in mission-related meetings at their respective sites. They meet and work with decision-makers from UN agencies and countries where Zonta has funded projects and/or where Zonta clubs reside. 

The current priority area of focus is the Sustainable Development Goals, which set the UN agenda through 2030, concentrating on Goal 5 and areas that relate to women’s empowerment. The teams also monitor and report on ongoing issues such as human trafficking, women’s employment, human rights, the gender pay gap, and much more. Team members work in coalition with other like-minded organizations, especially via NGO committees, on issues of mutual concern, such as early, child and forced marriage.

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs

 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted at the United Nations in September 2015.  The SDGs seek to change the course of the 21st century, addressing key challenges such as poverty, inequality and violence against women. These goals will guide world leaders and the global community as we work together to realize the human rights of all people, eradicate poverty, and protect our planet for future generations.

Each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is integral to Sustainable Development; however, Zonta International’s primary focus is on  Goal No. 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. 

Sustainable Development Goal No. 5 Targets:

• End discrimination against women and girls.
• End all violence against and exploitation of women and girls.
• Eliminate forced marriages and genital mutilation.
• Value unpaid care and promote shared domestic responsibilities. 
• Ensure full participation in leadership and decision-making. 
• Universal access to reproductive health and rights.
• Equal rights to economic resources, property ownership and financial services.
• Promote empowerment of women through technology. 
• Adopt and strengthen policies and enforceable legislation for gender equality.

Learn more about Zonta at the Commission on the Status of Women

Watch this Video: Zonta member Helvi Sipila (1975) launches the first Conference on Women and watch the history of Women's Conferences since