SPECIAL SESSION: Sigma Theta Tau International and the United Nations

Description/Overview: The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), was approved as an associated non-governmental organization (NGO) by the Department of Public Information of the United Nations (UN) in 2009. Since that time, STTI has increased its engagement and now holds Economic and Social Council status with the United Nations. This status was conferred on STTI in 2012 and allows member organizations greater privileges, access to nearly all intergovernmental processes at the UN dealing with economic and social development, allows the NGO to participate on UN committees and to have a “voice” at the UN. The UN has a large number of affiliated members, and it is through these organizations that much of the work is accomplished. The UN set strategic goals, called the Millennium Development Goals, to be accomplished by 2015. These goals include: 1. Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty; 2. Achieve universal primary education; 3. Promote gender equality and empower women; 4. Reduce child mortality; 5. Improve maternal health; 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; 7. Ensure environmental sustainability; 8. Develop a global partnership for development. STTI chapters around the world are involved in activities to address these goals. And now, as these goals sunset, they will be replaced with the Sustainable Development Goals, focused more broadly and encompassing numerous areas. STTI participates in various ways at the UN to uphold its commitment as an ECOSOC member and to help meet UN goals. In addition to the Global Initiatives team at STTI headquarters, STTI has three formal representatives at the UN. These representatives include an STTI-designated liaison and two youth representatives. Their work is vital to advancing STTI’s engagement with the UN and, in collaboration with the STTI Global Initiatives leadership, ensures a strong commitment and support to the UN goals. STTI’s work at the UN will help meet STTI’s mission to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.