Is a non-governmental organization (NGO) accredited through the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
History of Our Presence at the UN
Since Saint Julie Billiart founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) in a small French village two hundred and twenty years ago, our Mission has been unwavering. Our hearts, as wide as the world, seek to make known the goodness of God with others across the globe, a mission that has led to our presence on five continents.
Since 2001, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have been present at the United Nations (UN) as an accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to the Economic and Social Development Council (ECOSOC). From our office in New York, our advocacy efforts support justice and peace in the worldly communities in which we are present across the globe. Now, Sr. Isabelle Izika Tsamba serves as NGO Representative for the Congregation, preceded by three other SNDdeN: Sisters Joan Burke (USA), Jean Stoner (USA) and Amarachi Ezeonu (Nigeria).
Focus of Our Work at the UN
As an international Congregation of Catholic Sisters serving in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, we firmly believe that we can make a significant difference based on our experience on the ground. We provide feedback and suggestions during the discussions that shape policies and programs impacting peoples’ lives in education, health care, climate change, environmental issues, and other critical matters. As Saint Julie taught us, it is important to reach out to those in the most abandoned places and to lift up their stories and needs so that they live in a safe environment with dignity and the means to provide for themselves and their families.
Sr. Isabelle Izika Tsamba, SNDdeN, NGO Representative at the United Nations
Working in Coalition
We are one of 23 members of the Justice Coalition of Religious (JCoR), a formal collaboration of NGOs that represent Catholic Sisters, Brothers, priests, and their partners in mission at the United Nations. Through JCoR, we provide our Sisters and mission partners around the world with opportunities for learning and participation in the conferences and processes of the United Nations. We also build one another’s capacity to advocate for social, environmental, and economic justice, both through the UN system and at the local and national levels. To learn more about the programs and resources offered by JCoR, visit www.jcor2030.org or follow the Coalition on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn (@JCoR2030).
United Nations: Sustainable Development Goals
Indigenous Woman from Peru
Civil Society Forum
Peru Mission Visit
Ongoing Work Toward the Total Abolition of Nuclear Weapons
September 26 marks the observance of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. This year was the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (2025). As the representative of the congregation, I co-signed a statement to affirm our commitment to the abolition of nuclear weapons.
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SNDdeN NGO Office Jubilee: 25 Years of Advocacy at the UN
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur officially became an accredited non-governmental organization at the United Nations in 2001. Next year will mark the Silver Jubilee of the congregation having a presence at the UN as a privileged concrete way of living our educational and liberating mission, in the spirit of Saint Julie Billiart, by uniting faith and justice, contemplation and action.
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Participants Shared their Reflections about the 69th CSW
During the university’s 2025 spring break, we traveled to the United Nations Headquarters in New York to participate in the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The CSW is a global forum that meets annually to evaluate progress on gender equality and promote women’s rights worldwide. This year, we contributed meaningfully to the conference by presenting a student-led Parallel Event titled “Confronting Gender-Based Violence to Promote Peace & Justice.”
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Strengthening the Future of Gender Equality
The 69th Commission on the Status of Women marked the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and its platform of action that pointed out twelve critical areas that need urgent improvement to advance gender equality. This year’s Commission was a time of evaluation of global progress in gender equality and to make perspective for the future.
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Earth Day: A Call to Action Amid Interconnected Crises
“Our Power, Our Planet,”
International Earth Day was celebrated with prayerful thoughts and tributes to Pope Francis, who on April 21, 2025, had passed away. Around the world he was recognized for all his efforts to rally and unite all the peoples of the planet to defend and protect Earth as humankind’s Common Home. He urged us all to pay attention to and respond to the “Cries of the Earth and of the Poor.”
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