Sigma's Collaboration: Our Record of Progress and the Work Ahead at the United Nations

In 1985 the Society, formally known Sigma Theta Tau added "International" to its name to be mindfully global. Sigma has made great strides in its global advancement. Most recently, the organization proactively moved to expand its global reach, including attaining Economic and Social Special consultative status with the United Nations and will work to support the global Sustainable Development Goals.

In July 2012, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted Special consultative status to Sigma, which refers to expertise in the field of nursing and global health. This demonstrates Sigma’s commitment to achieving international cooperation toward solving humanitarian related issues.

Through its United Nations affiliation, Sigma commits to disseminate information and raise public awareness about the purposes and activities of the United Nations and related issues of global concern. Sigma will continue to conduct outreach around the world to help our nurse members better understand the work of the United Nations, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To fulfill our mission, Sigma has six volunteers – four United Nations liaisons, two United Nations youth representatives - who are the official organizational representatives at various United Nations activities and events. Their purpose is to represent Sigma to the United Nations by attending briefings, presentations and as appropriate, participating in United Nations committees, working groups, activities, and events. Our representatives have the end goals of 1) encouraging and facilitating participation of Sigma members and 2) to enhance the organization’s global reach, impact and participation within the global healthcare community.

This presentation will assist chapter leaders with learning more about Sigma's relationship with the United Nations as well as the role they can play as a catalyst to identify which SDGs are of interest to its membership, to establish a process to incorporate those Sustainable Development Goals into chapter activities and to engage members.