U.N. and O.F.A.

Did you know that Operation Friendship is an organization in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the U.N. (ECOSOC) since 2023? This is a relatively new status for us, and as such, O.F. is free to attend the myriad of commissions, events, and seminars hosted by ECOSOC. On slightly short notice and with some quick planning, O.F. coordinated the attendance of two youth, along with a couple of parents and our Young Adult board representatives to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which took place from March 9 to 16, 2026!

Attending this commission gives us a taste of what we can do when we show up. CSW70 is just the start. Going forward, O.F.A. proposes, at minimum, biennial attendance of United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum. We believe the Youth Forum will align nicely with the overall mission of Operation Friendship. We look forward to continued status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council as we foster the idea that cultural exchange happens not just in travel, but also in forums like these.

Check out this social media post from Monson Public School District highlighting the youth who attended CSW70. Let’s keep it up!