JCI at CSW70: Elevating Youth Leadership on the Global Stage

This March, JCI solidified its role as a key player in international advocacy during the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Led by JCI President Alejandra Castillo and Secretary General Elvin Teo, our six-person delegation spent two weeks navigating the high-level corridors of the UN to bridge the gap between global policy and youth-led action.

Empowering Women in Leadership

The delegation’s work was deeply rooted in JCI’s commitment to gender equity. Georgina Matamoros, Chairperson of the JCI Women in Leadership Commission, together with Deputy Chairperson Rycho Cheuk and member Evelyn Chew, ensured our organization's values were represented in every session. A highlight of the engagement was the Female Leadership Forum held online on 18 March. As an official CSW70 side event, this forum successfully connected our digital community with the themes of the UN summit, proving that JCI’s reach extends far beyond the physical rooms of the United Nations.

Strategic Diplomacy in New York

The mission was focused on expanding JCI’s influence through targeted diplomacy. Working alongside Partnerships Director Nathalia Cardenas, the team engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with the Permanent Missions to the UN of Turkiye and Japan, as well as the Consulate General of Bolivia and the Philippines. These discussions, along with consultations with UN Youth, UN Women, and NGO CSW, were designed to showcase JCI’s global impact. By strengthening these ties, the delegation secured vital endorsements and support for our upcoming initiatives, most notably the Global Youth Summit scheduled for 29-31 July.

Building Momentum for July

The connections made in New York have laid a powerful foundation for the rest of the year. With the support of new diplomatic partners and UN agencies, we are better positioned than ever to deliver a world-class Global Youth Summit this July. Our presence at CSW70 wasn't just about being seen, it was about ensuring JCI has a permanent seat at the table where the future is decided.