ADRA earns “General Consultative Status” in United Nations
29 October, 2024 |
As of 1997, ADRA earned General Consultative Status as a non-governmental organization (NGO) within the United Nations, allowing it to:
- Designate official representatives to the UN Office in Geneva (UNOG)
- Actively participate in UN events, conferences, and initiatives
- Deliver impactful written and oral statements at UN gatherings
- Present at United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) meetings, addressing critical issues such as economic development, social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
Their role has been critical in major global issues, acting as an anchoring force that steers the conversation from “conflict to cooperation” as stated in ANN, with their presence being established in 1994 through their peace strategy after the Rwanda Genocide.
This year’s UN theme, “The World Needs the UN and the UN Needs Us,” aligns perfectly with ADRA’s mission and vision. The Director of ADRA International United Nations Liaison Office, Dr. Akintayo Odeyemi, who has a PhD in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, has been a key representative for decades and this year had the privilege of participating in the first Global Alliance Regional Network Lab (RNL) in Geneva focused on Statelessness. The relevance of this year’s theme is not lost on Odeyemi, who stated in the ANN article:
“This theme resonates deeply with us at ADRA,” Dr. Odeyemi states. “It embodies our collective responsibility in a world that seeks peace, security, and integration. We understand that our work at the community level is crucial. Through our projects and active participation in UN working groups, we contribute to global peace initiatives, economic development, and social cohesion. Our efforts, while modest, are essential for fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse communities. The UN, representing member states from around the globe, is an invaluable partner in this mission. Together, we can advocate for global peace and forge connections that transcend borders.”
