THE MATILDA CAREPATH HEALTH FOUNDATION (MCHF) HAS BEEN GRANTED SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE STATUS WITH UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC). After a due application and approval process, MCHF is pleased to announce that our organization is now formally accredited as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) through special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). We are grateful to the Committee on NGOS for your understanding and support throughout the application process. And great appreciation to ECOSOC members states for adoption of the recommendation by committee on NGOS In this year 2023 assembly meetings. The approval process includes a review of an organization’s work, history and ability to support the missions of ECOSOC and the UN. The accreditation to participate in the United Nations international scene is a pivotal achievement. This accreditation will allow us to participate in its work, and to make visible improvement within an international organization with our contributions. This marks a step forward in our mission work to reduce child mortality rates and empowers MCHF in our objective of promoting education on child health issues, taking actions that deliver quality accessible health care to the disadvantaged children in the society and help them thrive.
While NGOs have been actively engaged with the UN since its inception in 1945, ECOSOC is the only main UN body with a formal framework for NGO participation. ECOSOC benefits from the valuable and expert advice from NGOs, and NGOs, in turn, have the opportunity to express their views and influence the work of the Council. The UN greatly values the specialized competence, hands-on experience and flexibility of NGOs.
One of the six principal organs of the UN, ECOSOC consists of 54 member states elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. The Council serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, such as gender equality, disarmament, population and development, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to member states and the United Nations system.
ECOSOC works to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking to achieve internationally agreed goals, including the sustainable development goals (SDGs). ECOSOC provides NGOs the opportunity to be heard and contribute to its agenda. As an NGO with consultative status, this position will give us the opportunity to consult with UN officials for expertise during program development, to express our views and, most importantly, to enhance our network. We can attend UN-affiliated events and programs, provide oral or written statements to the Council and engage special events organized by the President of the General Assembly.