Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
A Service Sorority
1707 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 2009
Telephone (202) 986-2400 Fax (202) 986-2513
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: Lesley M. Eugene
Public Relations Specialist
leugene@deltasigmatheta.org
202-986-2400 Ext. 383
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY AWARDED NGO CONSULTATIVE STATUS AT UNITED NATIONS
New York – March 27, 2003 – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has become a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations. In a presentation by Hanifa Mezoui, Chief NGO Section, Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the UN before 150 members of the organization from across the country, the National President, Gwendolyn Boyd, accepted the credentials on behalf of the sorority. Delta Sigma Theta was welcomed to the United Nations by Assistant Secretary General for External Affairs, Gillian Sorensen, who asked the sorority in her keynote address to, “Use your NGO status to monitor the status of women and children in the world and bind together with other NGOs to insure that the UN honors its commitments.” Delta Sigma Theta was granted Special Consultative Status as an NGO to the Economic and Social Council of the UN as a result of its volunteer services and humanitarian efforts performed to address issues throughout the world.
Special Consultative Status as an NGO allows the organization to provide analysis and expertise in monitoring and implementing international agreements on issues of mutual concern. As an NGO, Delta has the opportunity to gain access to and disseminate information concerning the range of issues on women and children in which the United Nations is involved. Delta’s representatives will attend regular briefings and disseminate information on UN activities to its members and the community at large.
Delta Sigma Theta is one of few African American women’s organizations to be credentialed by the United Nations with NGO Consultative status.
Delta Day at the United Nations events on March 27, 2003, included a welcome and overview session presented by Patricia Seghes who discussed the Millennium Declaration which sets forth the UN’s goals for the future, followed by a luncheon with Gillian Sorenson giving the keynote address. The topic was: “The Impact of Global Health Issues on Women”. A number of key UN officials addressed the group during the Delta forum on topics such as “Elimination of Violence Against Women,” “Global Advancement of Women,” “The State of the World’s Children,” and “ Women and Ageing”. Angela King, Assistant Secretary and Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, urged the group to be vigilant in monitoring issues that impact women. Maarit Kohonen, Human Rights Officer of High Commissioner for Human Rights, discussed the problems with U.S. women’s prisons and how to improve relations between NGO’s and the UN. Meg Gardinier, Chief NGO Officer, United States Office for Children (UNICEF), urged Delta to take an active role in the upcoming campaign to gain U.S. support for the Convention on the Rights of A Child and Alexandre Siderenko of Focal Point, United Nations Ageing, spoke on the importance of focusing on gender equity in policy development and the importance of sustaining health and wellness in old age.
National President Gwendolyn Boyd lead the delegation to the UN stating, “This is an historic day for Delta Sigma Theta as we continue to provide our technical expertise with our commitment to service to bring about positive growth and development in the lives of women and children throughout the world.” The Delta delegation consisted of members of the sorority’s National Executive Board, National Social Action Commission, federal and local officials, and other persons actively involved in community development and advocacy.
Founded on January 13, 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has been involved in providing service and support to local communities, leading the dialogue on public policy issues, supporting quality education, providing scholarships, sponsoring artistic innovation, creating positive opportunities for the development of youth, and producing new projects to stimulate current and future economic growth. For more information, visit
www.deltasigmatheta.org.