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From March 9-12, 2026, members of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America United Nations Girl Delegate Program participated in the 70th Commission on the Status of Women at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and with thanks to the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Foundation and the National Philoptochos, Inc., the Girl Delegates Program provides a platform for young women to address issues related to the rights of girls around the world, their individual rights, and their beliefs at the United Nations. The theme of CSW70 was “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.”
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body solely dedicated to promoting gender equality, protecting girls’ and women’s rights, and empowering women and girls throughout the world. CSW is a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which was established by ECOSOC resolution 11(II) of 21 June 1946.
Ahead of CSW70, Girl Delegates engaged in a series of advocacy workshops, trainings, and events that helped prepare them to engage confidently and meaningfully at CSW. They collaborated with girls from around the world to draft statements that were shared with global leaders, ensuring that their perspectives were reflected in the negotiations. Several Girl Delegates also met with UN member state representatives to advocate for their priorities both before and during CSW70.
As part of their policy engagement, the Girl Delegates reviewed the zero draft of the Commission and proposed revisions while also participating in consultations with girls across the world to better understand how justice systems function in their everyday lives and identify both strengths and critical gaps. They also contributed to CSW revitalization consultations and offered insights on how the process can be more inclusive and responsive to young people.
Girl Delegates also took part in virtual Town Hall sessions hosted by UN Women. Girl Delegates Alexa Pacholyk and Foteini Gatsia served on the Planning Committee, where they engaged directly with CSW70 Chair, H.E. Ambassador Martiza Chan Valverde of Costa Rica, and connected the CSW70 theme to their lived experiences and perspectives.
During CSW’s annual two-week session, representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations, and UN entities gather at UNHQ in New York to discuss progress in promoting women’s and girls’ rights, gaps in implementation and protection, and emerging issues affecting gender equality.
Journeying to NYC from across the country, the Girl Delegates began their time in New York attending Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 8th at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Throughout the week, the Girl Delegates attended various forums and side events for CSW. The Girl Delegates were led by Niki Devaris-Morgulis, Girl Delegates Program Coordinator, and accompanied by Harry Parks, Program Coordinator and Special Assistant to the Director of the Ecumenical Department, and Sara Tsugranis, Staff Writer for the Orthodox Observer.
At various points throughout the week, the Girl Delegates notably attended the proceedings of the Commission on the Status of Women in the UN General Assembly Chamber and were present for the final vote by member-states that adopted the outcome document for the 70th Session of the Commission. Many Girl Delegates found their time in the General Assembly Chamber to be a particularly enriching experience as they witnessed not only the operation of an official UN proceeding, but also how their efforts to learn about and engage with member-states during the negotiation process came to fruition.
Among the various events, the girl delegates attended the side-event, “Demographic Resilience and Access to Justice: Securing Rights and Choices in a Changing World.” The panel included representatives from Uruguay, North Macedonia, Mali, and Tunisia, as well as specialists in reproductive health, and UNFPA members.
Girl Delegate Foteini Gatsia moderated a girl-led parallel event entitled, Girls Lead Justice: Beyond the Commitments. She guided a dynamic dialogue between girl advocates, Member State representatives, and UN officials. The discussion focused on advancing justice systems that are accessible, equitable, and survivor-centered, addressing barriers girls face across legal, social, economic, and digital contexts.
The Girl Delegates also attended the side-event, “Women’s Equal Right to Participate in the Judiciary and Women’s Access to Justice: More Women, More Access” at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP–an international law firm in midtown Manhattan; the Working Group on Girls (WGG) visit to the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Ireland to the UN; the side-event “Bridging Systematic Gaps: Advancing justice for all women and girls”; and a side-event on the International Helvi Sipilä Seminar 2026 at CSW: Advancing Women’s Leadership at the Ukrainian Institute in America; and more.
Before concluding their time in NYC for CSW70, the Girl Delegates visited the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and met with Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Nicolas Kazarian, Ph.D., Ecumenical Officer and Director of the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations to reflect on their experiences, sharing insights and memories they will carry with them back home and beyond.
The Girl Delegates had what Lia Solomon has described as “a life changing experience” meeting with world leaders, influential women, and girls their own age who are passionate and driven about supporting women’s and girl’s rights.
In reflecting on the Girl Delegates’ participation in CSW70, Niki Devaris-Morgulis highlighted the sustained commitment of girl delegates to their efforts at the UN, saying “I am incredibly proud of our Girl Delegates, who have carried the voice and values of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to the global stage with integrity and purpose. They continue to show what is possible when young women are empowered to lead.”
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