In March 2003,
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
became 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 (ECOSOC), Past National President
Gwendolyn Boyd (who served as National President during
this time) accepted the credentials on behalf of the
sorority, before 150 members of the organization from
across the country. 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 a range of issues on women and
children in which the United Nations is involved.
Delta representatives
attend regular briefings and disseminate information on
UN activities to its members and the community at large.
Delta Day at the United Nations is held annually.