Grail Link to the UN
As a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), The Grail has had consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1998 and as a founding member of UFER since 1953. Our goal is to link Grail members worldwide with important global concerns and UN events, focusing especially on CSocD (Commission for Social Development), CSW (Commission on the Status of Women), UNPFII (United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues), HLPF (High Level Political Forum), UNGA (United Nations General Assembly).
As a Global network, GLUNN has grown and strengthened itself in a very diverse shape, such as advancing the justice aspect of Grail work, increasing visibility of the Grail, engaging youth, network-working and partnering with different organizations, institutions and persons.
GLUNN members are from Africa, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. Members have monthly virtual meetings, receive regular email communications and attend UN events. There is a wider circle where Grail member and explorers and friends join the initiatives of the UN toward its Sustainable Development Goals.
Actions
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
Since 1998, The Grail has maintained an active presence at the CSW. The Grail facilitates participation of an international delegation of women and girls to engage with other NGO’s and country representatives to promote women’s rights, health, education, and international solidarity. A priority is ensuring participation of girls to strengthen their voice, interest and experience in international cooperation and policy making. The delegation participates in two weeks of challenging events, living and working together to gain greater insight into the work of the Grail and its role in our local communities addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Grail sponsors two parallel events for women and girls. Since 2007, GLUNN has sponsored 200+ girls and young women from 22 countries to actively participate in panels and events at CSW.
Young Women’s Leadership Program
Instituted in 2017, the YWLTP is a leadership development and community organizing program for 20 young women, 18 to 30 years old, from various countries, who live and learn together in community over a period of two-three weeks in a designated country. They return to their local community to implement multi-year projects inspired by their participation. Thus far, the program has taken place in the United States, Mozambique and Mexico with a program next projected for Portugal.
A community project implemented by a YWLP participant in South Africa
The aim of the project was to give background about the causes and impact of climate change and possible solutions. Between singing, prayeing and practical work on organic farming, there was time to reflect on what can we do as individuals to adapt to and mitigate against climate change?
International Day of the Girl (IDG)
Since 2012, the UN has set October 11 to celebration the IDG. Every year, Grail groups from Mexico to Mozambique, Portugal to Papua New Guinea, South Africa to Tanzania and everywhere in between have sponsored activities celebrating the IDG. Grail groups organize Girls Rights Conversation Circles, Girls Speak Out events, social media campaigns and more to highlight girls advocacy and activism.
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)
The UNPFII is an advisory body to the ECOSOC. The Forum was established in 2000 with the mandate to deal with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. The Grail has attended the yearly sessions since then.
The NGO Committee on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (CRIP) began its work in 1991. Joy Garland, Sharon Joslyn and Lillian Wall joined the committee and attended monthly meetings. Currently Judy Alves, Cindy Cheyne, Joy Garland, Sharon Joslyn and Yura Sanchez are members.
Since 2018, the Grail with UFER has co-sponsored parallel events during UNPFII. In addition to New York based participants, members from Brasil, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden and Louisiana and New York/Peru in the USA.
