UN CSW71 Canadian Delegation Call

Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) is choosing representatives of Canadian women's and civil society organisations to sit on Canada's official delegation to the 71st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 71) at UN Headquarters in New York. Delegates help inform Canada's positions, take part in plenaries, side events and delegation meetings, and meet civil society from around the world. WAGE may also select a number of youth delegates aged 18 to 35.

What you get:

• A seat on Canada's official delegation to UNCSW 71 at UN Headquarters in New York, during the first week of the session (March 7 to 13, 2027, including travel)
• Reimbursement of eligible expenses: airfare, accommodation, transportation to and from the nearest airport, and meal per diems
• Direct access to plenary sessions, side events, interactive dialogues, delegation meetings and consultations
• The chance to meet and share experiences with Canadian and international civil society organisations

What you'll do:

• Join preparatory consultations and delegation meetings from late January to early March 2027, roughly 2 to 3 hours a week
• Commit at least seven hours a day during the formal session from March 8 to 12, 2027
• Contribute your perspective on the UNCSW 71 themes and negotiated outcomes to help inform Canada's participation
• Share the session's key outcomes with your networks afterwards, along with lessons learned and recommendations

Key dates:

• Applications close October 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern
• Preparatory consultations run from late January to early March 2027
• Delegates travel to New York on March 7 and depart on March 13, 2027
• UNCSW 71 runs March 8 to 19, 2027; the formal session commitment is March 8 to 12, 2027

More information:

• Apply by email to fegc.ccfnu-uncsw.wage@fegc-wage.gc.ca with the subject line UNCSW 71 Application: [Name]
• The package is the completed application form (downloadable from the WAGE page), a CV, a cover letter of up to 600 words, and two letters of support from two different Canadian community organisations
• Only those selected will be contacted, and incomplete or late applications are not considered
• Priority theme: accelerating gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of the 2030 Agenda. Review theme: gender equality in climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policy. Cross-cutting issue: poverty and women's economic empowerment

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Live in Canada and be able to travel to and from New York City from Canada
• Represent a legally established, registered Canadian women's or civil society organisation (incorporated federally, provincially or territorially, a registered charity, or equivalent). Private businesses and individuals applying in a private capacity are not eligible
• At least 18 years old
• Not a member of the Canadian delegation to UNCSW in the past five years
• Youth delegate seats: aged 18 to 35 by January 1, 2027, and serving in a youth capacity rather than an executive or management role
• Delegates must obtain their own documents to enter the United States; visas are not provided
• Required: demonstrated commitment to gender equality and knowledge of the UNCSW 71 themes. Bilingualism in English and French is an asset, not a requirement