SDG Agenda: A Shared Blueprint for Peace and prosperity

Did you know that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015?

Did you know that this one document provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future?

At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. These 17 goals make it clear that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

It's a huge undertaking. But with individuals, governments, non-governmental organizations, non-profits, and others working together, it can be done.

The SDGs build on decades of work by countries and the UN, including the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

In June 1992, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, more than 178 countries adopted Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan of action to build a global partnership for sustainable development to improve human lives and protect the environment.

Member States unanimously adopted the Millennium Declaration at the Millennium Summit in September 2000 at UN Headquarters in New York. The Summit led to the elaboration of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce extreme poverty by 2015.

Then, the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development and the Plan of Implementation, adopted at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa in 2002, reaffirmed the global community's commitment to poverty eradication and the environment, and built on Agenda 21 and the Millennium Declaration by including more emphasis on multilateral partnerships.

Distribution of all initiatives on the SDG Action Platform by SDG Goal. It is important to note that many initiatives are linked to multiple SDGs.

In June 2012, at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Member States adopted "The Future We Want" in which they outlined their decision, among other things, to launch a process to develop a set of SDGs to build upon the MDGs and to establish the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Rio +20 also contained other measures for implementing sustainable development, including mandates for future programs in development financing, small island developing states, and more.

In 2013, the General Assembly set up a 30-member Open Working Group to develop a proposal on the SDGs.

In January 2015, the General Assembly began the negotiation process to create the post-2015 development agenda. It culminated in the subsequent adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with 17 SDGs at its core, at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015.

2015 was a landmark year for multilateralism and international policy shaping, with the adoption of several major agreements:

• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (March 2015)
• Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development (July 2015)
• Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Development (September 2015)
• Paris Agreement on Climate Change (December 2015)

Today, the annual High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development serves as the central UN platform for the follow-up and review of the SDGs.

So far, while some nations are lagging behind their commitments, as of early 2026, the United States is the only developed nation to formally reject and withdraw from the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). This follows the US being one of only three UN members (along with Haiti and Myanmar) to not produce a Voluntary National Review (VNR) of their SDG progress.

Additionally, the US has ceased participation in related international organizations and exited other key frameworks such as the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other internationally supported bodies related to sustainability and development.

Today, the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) provides substantive support and capacity-building for the SDGs and their related thematic issues, including water, energy, climate, oceans, urbanization, transport, science and technology, the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), partnerships and Small Island Developing States.

DSDG plays a key role in the evaluation systemwide implementation of the 2030 Agenda and on advocacy and outreach activities relating to the SDGs. In order to make the 2030 Agenda a reality, broad ownership of the SDGs must translate into a strong commitment by all stakeholders to implement these global goals. DSDG aims to help facilitate this engagement.

Now that you know more, what can you – as BPW members and individuals, as members of local communities and governments, as citizens of your towns and states and nation – do to help move the goals of the SDGs forward?

We already know what needs to be done. Now let’s work together with organizations such as the UN to move those 17 goals closer to reality for everyone.

United Nations
Unchair@nfbpwc.org

The majority of the information in this article comes from the United Nations’ website’s page for the Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Sustainable Development.

Stay Connected with the UN by bookmarking these sites

• United Nations Main Website https://www.un.org
• UN News https://news.un.org
• UN WebTV (live & on-demand) https://media.un.org/en/webtv
• UN Women https://www.unwomen.org
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) https://sdgs.un.org/goals
• United Nations on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/unitednations

To learn more or to get involved with NFBPWC’s United Nations efforts email: unchair@nfbpwc.org.

It’s BPW Canada’s 50th and We’re All Invited

On behalf of BPW Canada, I am delighted to invite you to our 50th Convention, taking place from August 13 through 16, in the beautiful city of Regina, Saskatchewan.

This year marks a significant milestone in our federation’s history—a time to celebrate our achievements, deepen our impact, and chart a bold path forward.

Our 2026 convention theme, “Celebrate! Advocate! Educate!” reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing equity for women, fostering leadership and leadership opportunities, and strengthening our network of changemakers across Canada and beyond.

Convention 2026 promises rich opportunities to learn, lead, and connect; from engaging workshops and influential speakers to inspiring resolutions and meaningful advocacy, this gathering will be one to remember.

We welcome our BPW sisters from across the border to take this opportunity to join with your Canadian sisters to make a difference in our world. I look forward to welcoming you to Regina as we honor our past and step boldly into the future—together.

Thursday Highlights!

• Emerging Leaders (Under 35 / YBPW) Luncheon (Speaker – Wura Dasylva)
• Opening Reception: Bar Willow Eatery on Wascana Lake

Friday Highlights!

• Luncheon (Speaker – Darci Lang – Lead the 90%)
• Workshop (Growing Your Club - Erin Davis)
• Business sessions
• Evening Event: The Key to the City Adventure

Saturday Highlights!

• Luncheon (Women on Corporate Boards Panel)
• Elections and Speeches for 2026-2028 BPW Canada Board Members
• Business sessions
• Gala Dinner (Speaker – Lisa Peters)

Sunday Highlights!

• Key Topic Update: Reproductive Rights and Justice
• Key Topic Update: Women’s Empowerment
• Closing Pink Tea Luncheon (Women in Politics Panel)
• Business Sessions

Our early bird registration fee expires June 1st so register today! Here is the link: https://bpwcanada.com/convention-registration/

We have a hotel rate of $129 CDN at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre. Register now here: https://bpwcanada.com/accommodation/

For more information about all our wonderful speakers, see: https://bpwcanada.com/convention-speakers-bios/

Shan McEwing
President, BPW Canada

Our NAC conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is less than three months away — August 23 – 25, will be here very soon!

The Early Bird Date for Registration is June 15th, so don’t miss that date if you want to save $100 (Canadian!) NAC 2026 Regional Conference - REGISTRATION - BPW Canada. This is likely to be the only International Event held this close to us in the US for many years, so I hope you will take the opportunity to come.

Book your hotel room at the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview before our block of rooms and special rates are gone! The views from the rooms are amazing – don’t miss out! NAC Accommodation - BPW Canada.

Sponsorship opportunities are available – the reach is not to only those in the USA and Canada, but 10 islands in the Caribbean and many countries within the BPW International family. NAC Sponsorship Opportunities - BPW Canada

Our NAC Young BPW Rep Deanza Walwyn Bowrin (BPW Canada Online), is putting together a great Young BPW Symposium for August 23rd (everyone is welcome). Details at NAC Programme - BPW Canada. Let’s make sure she has a great turnout! NAC 2026 Regional Conference - HOME - BPW Canada

It will be shared with affiliate presidents and their executive teams at an upcoming regional meeting so they can share it with their membership.

Work is underway to use the information gathered to create actionable plans for all of BPW. The first Think Tank on the topic included members from around the world. There were break-out discussions to identify strategic implications, what matters most, and where should we start. This is the start of determining strategic input for the next stage of the process.

BPW is “Activity Rich but Pathway Poor”. We are not lacking in value, but we lack visible pathways forward. Future Think Tanks will help identify those pathways to help BPW, not only at the International Level but at Affiliate Federation and Affiliate Club levels as well. Stay tuned, as more information will be shared as we move though this process.

The next BPW International Congress will be held in Fortaleza, Brazil, in November 2027. Diana Barragan, president of BPW International, will be doing a site visit of hotels this summer – yes, we have to start this early to put together this annual event! Watch this space for more details in the Fall. I hope many of you will be able to attend.

I wish you a lovely spring and look forward to seeing many of you in Raleigh and Niagara Falls.

The Canadian Falls.

Karin Gorgerat
Regional Coordinator
N. America and Caribbean Region BPW International
karin.gorgerat@bpw-international.org

Looking Ahead: Preparing for CSW71

March 2027 may feel like it is far away. It really isn’t.

The seventy-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on March 8-19, 2027.

Planning for CSW begins long before opening day.

For organizations like ours, that early planning matters.

The priority theme for CSW71 is ambitious and certainly relevant for today:

“accelerating gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

What stands out to me in that statement is the word ACCELERATING.

We’ve moved past the beginning stages of these conversations. The goals aren’t new to us. They are familiar. The commitments have been made, and progress is now the challenge we face.

Are we moving forward or are we stalled? Where are the barriers and where are women gaining ground?

Inescapable and undeniable environmental changes are reshaping economies, communities, and daily life around the planet. Women are often the most directly affected, and at the same time, they are the leaders in planning, recovery, and the resilience of communities.

The overlap is impossible to ignore when climate policy and women’s advancement are no longer separate conversations.

For NFBPWC members, the present is filled with reflecting and acting on what we took away from CSW70, while simultaneously gearing up for what comes next.

We have time to reflect on the priorities, to connect with the work we are already doing, and the work we wish to begin.

March will come quickly.

Let’s use the months ahead well. Let’s arrive informed, thoughtful, and engaged, ready not only to listen and learn, but to contribute.

The most valuable voices as CSW are grounded in real work already underway.

That work begins now.

Commission on the status of women
csw@nfbpwc.org

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Wellness is about more than exercise and nutrition. It’s also about safety, stability, dignity, and opportunity. 

Below are three suggested reads for May that explore wellness for women through a global lens.

Gender-Differentiated and Age-Specific Risks of Heat Stress in a Warming World

This paper explores how heat disproportionately affects women, children, older adults and vulnerable communities. It highlights a wide range of concerns.

Gender-differentiated Heat Stress

The Immediate and Long-term Impact of the Military Escalation in the Middle East on Women and Girls

From displacement and disrupted health services to food insecurity and more, the report shows that conflict carries unique consequences for women’s wellness and security.

Impacts of Military Escalation in Middle East on Women and Girls

Delivering as One: United Nations System Progress on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (2019-2024)

Wellness for women can’t be separated from safety, dignity, and freedom from violence.

Ending VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls)

Find more on these and other essential topics at the UN Women Digital Library: https://www.unwomen.org/en/publications

United Nations
Unchair@nfbpwc.org

Thanks to everyone who completed the BPW Listens – Your Voice Matters Survey.

Special thanks to our Ambassador, Sandy Thompson, who worked with all the NAC members to answer questions that came up during the process.

A significant amount of work goes into preparing the survey, including translating it into 14 languages so all our members could be heard.

Now comes the really hard, and fascinating, part – compiling all the results for presentation to the International Executive who will analyze them to determine next steps. After that, a report will be provided to the membership. Your patience as we proceed through this process is appreciated.

NAC Region hosted two webinars in April – Advocacy in Action #3 and Empowering BPW Leaders #2. A huge thank you to NAC Advocacy Coordinator Colleen Babiuk-Ilkiw, NAC Training Coordinator Sujata Tiwari, and all those who participated in these valuable webinars. There will be more webinars in the fall, so stay tuned for information and plan to join us.

Our NAC conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is getting closer and I hope many of you have August 23 – 25, 2026 in your calendars.

We have amazing speakers to address our conference theme of Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform – Together we Shape a Sustainable Future including

Inspire - Danielle Hall, Head of Retail and Wealth Digital Investing, BMO

Inspire - Barbara Robinson, Norton Engineering

Empower - Lola Reid Allin

Transform - Dr. Nancy Taber, Brock University.

You can find more information about them and our other fantastic speakers at NAC Speakers Bios - BPW Canada

Everything you will need to know about the entire exciting event, including the link for our special hotel rates, which guarantee that each room has a view of either the US or Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

Our NAC Young BPW Rep Deanza is putting together a great Young BPW Symposium for August 23rd – and you don’t have to be a Young BPW-er to attend, so let’s make sure there is a huge presence to support her and the Young BPW members! More information on this event at NAC Programme - BPW Canada.

For more information on the conference, go to NAC 2026 Regional Conference - HOME - BPW Canada

Karin Gorgerat
Regional Coordinator
N. America and Caribbean Region
BPW International
karin.gorgerat@bpw-international.org

Global Conflict, Local Consequences: Why NFBPWC Must Act Now

As International Liaison for NFBPWC, I have spent the past several months closely tracking geopolitical developments, particularly the escalating instability across the Middle East. While these conflicts may appear distant, their consequences are already moving through global systems with speed and precision.

The effects are not abstract. They are immediate, measurable, and increasingly personal.

It is a mistake to view global conflict as something that only affects foreign policy or defense strategy. The reality is far more direct. These disruptions are already shaping the cost of goods, the reliability of supply chains, the stability of energy markets, and the operating environment for women in business worldwide.

What we are witnessing is not a regional issue. It is a global economic shift in motion.

The most immediate impact is energy. As tensions rise in key oil-producing regions, markets react quickly. Even the perception of risk creates price volatility. That volatility moves through every layer of the economy. Transportation costs increase. Manufacturing becomes more expensive. Small businesses, many already operating on thin margins, feel the pressure first and most acutely.

Closely tied to energy is supply chain disruption. Shipping routes are being reassessed. Insurance costs for cargo are increasing. Delays are becoming more common as companies reroute to avoid risk zones.

This is not limited to large corporations. Women-owned businesses that rely on imported materials or global distribution networks are already experiencing longer lead times, higher costs, and reduced predictability.

There is also a human dimension that requires attention. Women in business across the Middle East are navigating an increasingly complex environment. In some areas, mobility is restricted. In others, access to capital is tightening. Business continuity is uncertain.

These are not isolated challenges. They affect partnerships, joint ventures, and the broader ecosystem that many of our members rely on for growth and collaboration.

For NFBPWC, this is not a distant issue to monitor. It is an immediate priority. The question is not whether these changes will affect our members. The question is how quickly we respond and how effectively we position ourselves.

This is where opportunity begins to emerge

Periods of disruption often force realignment. Supply chains shift. New partnerships are formed. Markets open in unexpected places.

For organizations that are paying attention, there is a chance to step into roles that did not exist before. This is particularly true for women leaders who are often more agile in adapting to change and more collaborative in building new networks.

We should be looking at near-term, actionable strategies.

• We can serve as a connector. NFBPWC has a global footprint. We are in a position to facilitate introductions between women-owned businesses seeking new suppliers, new markets, or new partners. That role becomes more valuable as traditional networks are disrupted.
• We can provide practical guidance. Many of our members are navigating these challenges without access to timely information. Curating insights on supply chain adjustments, cost management strategies, and alternative sourcing options can have immediate value.
• We can advocate. There is an opportunity to engage with local and regional businesses to align around shared goals, including resilience and sustainability. Encouraging businesses to publicly commit to supporting women-owned enterprises through simple, visible signals, creates both accountability and awareness.
• We can use this moment as a recruitment engine. Women are looking for support, information, and connection. If NFBPWC positions itself as a source of clarity and action during uncertainty, we will attract members who are seeking exactly that.

This is not about reacting to headlines. It is about understanding the structural shifts taking place beneath them. Energy volatility, supply chain realignment, and regional instability are not temporary disruptions. They are indicators of a broader transformation in how global business operates.

The organizations that succeed will be those that move early, think clearly, and act with intention.

NFBPWC has the network, the leadership, and the global reach to do exactly that. The opportunity is not simply to respond to change. It is to shape how our members navigate it and where they position themselves within it.

This moment demands focus. It demands coordination. And it demands that we recognize that what is happening across the world is already happening here.

All of this encourages us to reframe wellness in the context of what we are facing.

Wellness is not limited to physical health or personal balance

It is also preparation, awareness, and the ability to withstand disruption without losing momentum.

It is also financial stability, access to reliable information, and strong professional networks.

In periods of uncertainty, resilience becomes a form of wellness. The more prepared we are, the more control we retain over our decisions and outcomes.

Wellness is not just how you feel. It is how ready you are.

Larisa B. Miller
Chair International Relations
international@nfbpwc.org

For information please email international@nfbpwc.org.