Mission

UNANIMA International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) advocating on behalf of women and children (particularly those living in poverty), immigrants and refugees, and the environment. Our work takes place primarily at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where we and other members of civil society aim to educate and influence policymakers at the global level. In solidarity, we work for systemic change to achieve a more just world.

On the ground, our unique membership consists of 18 congregations of Roman Catholic sisters whose 17,500 constituents work in 79 countries. We bring their voices, concerns, and experiences as educators, health care providers, social workers, and development workers to the United Nations.

History

Our coalition was founded in June 2002 by representatives from 7 communities of women religious. Our name merges three concepts: anima, a feminine life principle of healing, caring, and nurturing; UN, as we do our work at the United Nations; and UNANIMA, derived from the word unanimous, because we work together with one mind, heart, and spirit.

In December 2005, UNANIMA International was officially accepted as an affiliated NGO of the United Nations Department of Public Information. Subsequently in June 2006, UNANIMA became associated with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations as an NGO in special consultative status. Click here to visit Civil Society Participation.