Report of IAWPA Delegation to the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), 9–20 March 2026, New York

1. Introduction

The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) participated in the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at UN Headquarters, New York, from 9 to 20 March 2026. The session’s priority theme—advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls—provided a strategic platform for IAWPA to share grassroots experience and engage with global policy processes.

2. Delegation Composition

- Head of Delegation:  P.Amb. Patricia Ifeoma Nwabuwa  

- P Amb. Aisha Bello

- P.Amb. John kennedy

3. Objectives of Participation

1. Present community-level evidence on women’s rights, economic inclusion, and leadership (including linkages to peacebuilding, water governance, and blue economy livelihoods).  

2. Contribute to interactive dialogues and side events aligned with CSW70 priority and review themes.  

3. Build partnerships with Member States, UN entities, and civil society to scale proven interventions in Nigeria and West Africa.  

4. Strengthen delegation capacity through exposure to best practices, data, and financing mechanisms.

4. Key Activities & Engagements

Official Sessions: Attended plenary meetings, ministerial roundtables, and expert panels on gender-responsive policies, financing for gender equality, and digital inclusion.  

Side/Parallel Events: Participated in Women, Peace and Water Security,” “Women’s Leadership in the Blue Economy” amongst others.  The delegation delivered remarks on, highlighting IAWPA’s work in promoting the attainment of the sustainable development goals. 

- Advocacy Materials: Shared IAWPA briefs/case studies showcasing impact on women and girls.

5. Key Outcomes & Takeaways

- Reaffirmed that women’s leadership is central to peace, water governance, coastal livelihoods, and blue economy value chains.  

- Documented best practices for removing barriers to women’s participation in decision-making.  

- Expanded a network of partners committed to joint follow-up in Nigeria.

6. Recommendations

1. National Level: Encourage ministries (Women Affairs; Marine & Blue Economy; Water Resources) to integrate CSW70 conclusions into sector plans and budgets.  

2. Implementation: Pilot gender-responsive blue economy and peacebuilding cooperatives in target communities, with indicators for women’s ownership and leadership.  

3. Capacity Building: Launch a mentorship platform linking rural women leaders with national/global networks met at CSW70.  

4. Reporting: Track progress and share updates at CSW71.

7. Conclusion

CSW70 reinforced that gender equality is inseparable from sustainable development, peace, and ocean governance. IAWPA reaffirms its commitment to translating global norms into local action and stands ready to partner with UN Women, Member States, and civil society to advance the agreed conclusions.

This Report is Respectfully submitted,

P.Amb. Patricia Ifeoma Nwabuwa

Head of Delegation, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA)  

Head of Delegation 

Attachments:

- Delegate list with contact details  

- Statements/presentations delivered  

- Photo documentation