Transcultural Nursing Society at the United Nations

The Transcultural Nursing Society (TCNS) holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This status recognizes TCNS's expertise relevant to its mission and provides opportunities to engage in certain United Nations activities in accordance with applicable United Nations rules and procedures.

As an international professional nursing organization, TCNS contributes perspectives related to culturally congruent care, cultural humility, health equity, nursing practice, nursing education, and the health and well-being of diverse populations. Through its consultative relationship with ECOSOC, TCNS may have opportunities to participate in selected United Nations activities and consultation processes when such opportunities are available.

What Does ECOSOC Special Consultative Status Mean?

The United Nations grants consultative status to qualified non-governmental organizations (NGOs) whose expertise may be relevant to the United Nations' work.

Through its Special Consultative Status, TCNS may be eligible to:

  • Receive information regarding United Nations initiatives, meetings, and activities.
  • Participate in selected consultation and engagement opportunities.
  • Submit written statements when invited or otherwise permitted under applicable United Nations procedures.
  • Designate organizational representatives to attend eligible United Nations meetings, sessions, and related events when registration opportunities are available.
  • Connect with other accredited NGOs, professional organizations, and stakeholders participating in United Nations activities.

The availability of these opportunities varies and depends upon United Nations requirements, event-specific procedures, registration processes, participation limits, and organizational eligibility.

Special Consultative Status does not grant TCNS a standing right to address United Nations meetings, speak during official proceedings, submit statements at any time, or represent the United Nations. Opportunities for written or oral contributions, when available, are governed by the rules and procedures applicable to a particular meeting, commission, or consultation process.

Likewise, consultative status does not constitute the United Nations' endorsement of TCNS, nor does it authorize TCNS to speak on behalf of the United Nations.

Why TCNS Participates

Many issues central to TCNS's mission are also reflected in global discussions on health, education, equity, cultural understanding, human dignity, sustainable development, and the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Participation in United Nations-related activities helps TCNS stay informed about emerging global issues and, when available, provides opportunities to contribute professional nursing and transcultural perspectives within established United Nations processes.

Recent TCNS Activities

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70)

In 2026, TCNS designated representatives to participate in activities associated with the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). These representatives attended sessions, educational programs, and related events available to accredited NGOs and gained insights into international efforts addressing issues affecting women and girls worldwide.

The Society shared the experiences and knowledge gained and used them to inform future engagement with United Nations initiatives.

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW71)

For the 71st Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW71), TCNS prepared and submitted a written statement addressing the priority theme:  "Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

The statement reflects the Society's perspectives on culturally congruent care, health equity, cultural humility, community engagement, and the important role of nurses in supporting the health and well-being of women and girls across diverse cultural settings.

Read the Official TCNS CSW71 Statement

Transcultural Nursing Society Statement for CSW71 (2027)

Opportunities for Member Engagement

The Transcultural Nursing Society may share information regarding opportunities related to United Nations activities and initiatives.  The TCNS has a member circle dedicated to sharing opportunities and UN information with it's membership.

Depending on the nature of the opportunity and applicable requirements, members may have opportunities to:

  • Attend eligible United Nations events and activities either virtually or in person.
  • Serve as TCNS-designated representatives for approved meetings or events.
  • Participate in educational briefings and informational sessions.
  • Provide expertise or feedback related to Society statements and submissions.
  • Learn about United Nations initiatives relevant to healthcare, nursing, health equity, cultural care, and sustainable development.
  • Engage with other professionals and organizations committed to improving health and well-being worldwide.

Participation opportunities vary and may be limited by United Nations registration procedures, event-specific requirements, available NGO credentials, and capacity limitations.

Participation Expectations

Individuals participating in activities through TCNS are expected to:

  • Follow all applicable United Nations requirements and event procedures.
  • Adhere to TCNS policies and standards of professional conduct.
  • Conduct themselves respectfully and professionally.
  • Accurately represent their role and level of authorization.

Participation alone does not authorize an individual to represent official positions of TCNS.   TCNS membership requirements are applicable and posted in the TCNS UN Circle.

Only individuals specifically authorized by the Society may communicate official TCNS positions or organizational statements.

Participation through TCNS does not authorize any individual to speak on behalf of the United Nations or imply endorsement by the United Nations.

Unless otherwise announced, participation in United Nations-related activities is generally at the participant's own expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TCNS represent the United Nations?

No. TCNS is an independent nonprofit professional organization. Special Consultative Status allows TCNS to participate in certain United Nations processes and activities when opportunities are available, but it does not authorize TCNS to represent the United Nations.

Does ECOSOC Special Consultative Status guarantee TCNS can submit statements?

No. Opportunities to submit written statements depend on the rules and procedures applicable to a specific meeting, commission, or consultation process. Statements may only be submitted when permitted under those procedures.

Does ECOSOC Special Consultative Status allow TCNS to speak at United Nations meetings?

Opportunities for NGOs to make oral statements during official proceedings are limited and governed by specific United Nations rules and procedures. Participation in a meeting or event does not imply speaking privileges.

Can any TCNS member represent the Society at the United Nations?

Individuals who serve as TCNS-designated representatives for United Nations activities are selected through a Society process and must meet applicable eligibility requirements.

As a general expectation, individuals should have maintained active TCNS membership in good standing for at least one year prior to participation. Because participation opportunities are often limited, TCNS seeks to involve as many members as possible over time and may consider factors such as prior participation, member engagement, event requirements, expertise, and the Society's goal of providing broad opportunities for involvement.

Does the United Nations endorse TCNS?

No. Consultative status does not constitute United Nations endorsement.

Does TCNS provide funding for participation?

Unless otherwise announced, participation is generally at the individual's own expense. Many United Nations-related opportunities are available virtually, allowing broader participation without travel costs.

Stay Connected

TCNS remains committed to sharing information about United Nations activities, educational opportunities, written statements, and participation opportunities that align with the Society's mission and values.

Members and interested professionals are encouraged to follow TCNS communications to learn more about opportunities for global engagement, cultural care, health equity, and professional collaboration.

Together, we can continue to advance the principles of culturally congruent care, human dignity, and respect for diversity while contributing nursing perspectives through the opportunities available to TCNS as a nonprofit organization with ECOSOC Special Consultative Status.