The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is delighted to announce that it has been granted special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This decision, effective immediately, was adopted on 23 July 2024, following a recommendation by the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
This prestigious recommendation marks a significant milestone in IDF’s mission to improve the lives of people living with diabetes and prevent diabetes in those at risk. The special consultative status enables IDF to engage more directly with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, including the Human Rights Council and, under specific conditions, certain meetings of the General Assembly and other intergovernmental bodies as well as the United Nations Secretariat.
With over 537 million adults living with diabetes worldwide, this new partnership with ECOSOC will be instrumental in driving global action and policy changes. The new status will allow IDF to advocate for the diabetes community more effectively to address the growing diabetes pandemic.
The consultative status grants IDF several key privileges, including:
- The ability to attend and participate in official UN meetings
- The opportunity to submit written statements and make oral presentations to the Council
- The chance to organise side events on issues of concern to IDF
This enhanced access to UN proceedings will empower IDF to:
- Raise awareness about diabetes as a critical global health issue
- Contribute expertise to international policy discussions
- Collaborate more closely with other NGOs and UN agencies
- Influence decision-making processes that affect diabetes care and prevention
About the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating the economic and social fields of the organisation, specifically the fifteen specialised agencies, the eight functional commissions, and the five regional commissions under its jurisdiction. Under the UN Charter, ECOSOC promotes higher living standards, full employment, and economic and social progress; identifies solutions to international economic, social and health problems; facilitates international cultural and educational cooperation; and encourages universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
