SPECIAL SESSION: Sigma Theta Tau International, the United Nations and Global Initiatives

Description/Overview: The history of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is varied and rich. It includes a deliberate decision to become international, including global expansion, which was formalized at the 1985 Biennial Convention in Indianapolis, when the House of Delegates voted to add “International” to Sigma Theta Tau’s name. The international work of STTI undertaken since that time has led to the current Global Initiatives department. Focusing on the past five years, STTI has made great strides in its global advancement. For example, STTI has its first president, elected by the full House of Delegates, from outside of North America. STTI launched its first formal presence outside of America, contracting with a nursing organization in South Africa to specifically conduct work to advance the organization, under the auspices of STTI. STTI launched its first International Leadership Institute based outside of North America, with the Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy in Africa. Global regions were identified and Regional Coordinators elected from around the world. Six hundred ninety-seven institutions are now engaged with STTI, through 499 chapters, located in 26 countries. Currently, over 135,000 members can be found in 92 countries across the globe. In July 2012, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted Special consultative status to STTI, which refers to expertise in the field of nursing and global health. This demonstrates STTI’s commitment to achieving international cooperation toward solving humanitarian related issues. This was predicated on the approval as an associated non-governmental organization (NGO) by the Department of Public Information of the United Nations (UN) in December 2009. Through our UN affiliation, STTI commits to disseminate information and raise public awareness about the purposes and activities of the UN and related issues of global concern. STTI will continue to conduct outreach around the world to help our nurse members better understand the work of the UN, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Global Initiatives department focuses on various strategic directions. These directions include work to support STTI through Educational Standards, Regulation and Licensing; Global Member Engagement; Global Expansion; Relationship/Reputation Building; and the Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing.