United Nations
Over fifty-five years of service to the global community through our work at the United Nations.
As a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council, the TOU is an active member of the NGO community working on the inside of the United Nations to advance social justice. The TOU actively supports the aims and principles of the United Nations by attending world summit meetings, sponsoring programs for NGOs, and participating on committees and coalitions of NGOs with similar values.
The Temple of Understanding is accredited through ECOSOC with Special Consultative status. We are also accredited by the DPI (now the Department of Global Communications.)
Our current work at the UN is in coalition with a set of partners including:
- Mining Working Group
- Women’s Major Group
- United Nations Environmental Program
- NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief
- Women’s Working Group on Financing For Development
- UN Committee on the Rights of Indigenous People
- Committee of Religious NGOs – Climate Working Group
Updates:
Women, Water, and Extractivism: Reclaiming Resources, Restoring Rights, Building Justice
Thursday, 20 March, 2025 | 8:30-10:00 AM EDT
Organized by the NGO Mining Working Group
This parallel event, held during the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women and ahead of World Water Day, seeks to illuminate the intersectional challenges faced by women in resource-extractive regions. The event will focus on the gendered impacts of extractivism on water rights and access, as well as the critical leadership roles women play in addressing these issues.
Active Upstanding Is My Superpower
Upscaling Multi-sectoral Approach to Ending Gender-based Violence and Climate Crisis
Malawi Government, TOU, AfriAus-iLEAC and its PARTNERS SIDE EVENT (hybrid) _ UNCSW69 SESSION & Beijing +30
Monday, March 17, 2025, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET on Zoom
Speakers include: Hon. Jean Muonaowauza Sendeza, Cecilia Rabecca Mphande, Prof. Azza Karam, Grove Harris, and Jenipher Mkandawire
Co-Moderators: Rabecca Lois Mwafulirwa and Dr. Fulata Lusungu Moyo
11th Annual CSW69 Interfaith Service
Join us in a loving remembrance for those who have gone before us and who continue to inspire our lives. Everyone is invited to add a name to the Memory Book.
Plastic Pollution: Intergovernmental, Faith-Based, and Activist Efforts
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
Speakers: Juan Pablo Celis Garcia, Azmaira Alibhai, Brett Nadrich, and Dalia Fernanda Márquez Añez
Host: Grove Harris
Topic: How can we effectively engage in the UN Treaty Process and demand the full life cycle approach, eliminating the worst offending plastic chemicals at their source, limiting the use of virgin plastic, and cutting single use plastics? What forces are pushing for ‘recycling’ alone? What diverse strategies and projects are happening all over? And what does faith and social justice have to do with it?
Climate Justice and Vulnerable Populations
Climate Justice and Vulnerable Populations:A Framework for Action on Loss and Damage and Climate FinanceUPDATE: Read the Concept Note HERE Read a One-Page Summary with Recommendations HERE You are invited to attend the side event organized by the NGO Committee on FfD...
Epidemic of Violence Against Women and Girls
The UN Secretary-General, on the 2024 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, stated, “The epidemic of violence against women and girls shames humanity.Every day, on average, 140 women and girls are killed by someone in their own family. Around one in three women still experience physical or sexual violence. No country or community is unaffected. And the situation is getting worse.”