Mission Statement

The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus work in collaboration at the United Nations where our goal is to promote a more humane, just and sustainable world.

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Our NGO focus is mainly on Women and Children within the context of Social Development, Sustainable Development and Human Rights. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a powerful tool in mobilizing our energies in education, awareness raising and advocacy and provide a cohesive framework for our efforts. Specific areas of involvement are:

The Eradication of Poverty
Gender Equality -focus on Girls.
Access to quality education and health,
Trafficking of human persons
Financing for Development
Environment
Global Citizenship

All of which are in alignment with the GC14 Calls and Laudato Si.

Please find here more on our commitment on the SDGs

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Aim 1: Develop and enhance an active IBVM/CJ presence at the UN through ECOSOC and DGC

Maintain ECOSOC status by fulfilling all UN requirements
As a member of ECOSOC initiate and submit statements to UN bodies
Continue to attend UN Briefings, Commissions, High Level Panels, and other relevant activities.
Continue to sponsor and co-sponsor side events
Explore possibilities of inviting people directly affected to speak at events
Hold membership in relevant NGO committees
Collaborate with NGO community on shared concerns and issues
Highlight our on-ground experience and expertise in our identified priority areas
Develop a work plan that includes the above items

Aim 2: Develop and enhance IBVM/CJ network engagement with UN processes

Engage network members in UN processes and related activities
Develop and enhance support structure at province/country level
Invite and encourage immersion experiences for IBVM/ CJ members and colleagues.
Invite members to DPI Conference and UN Commissions
Encourage online participation on processes organized for civil society around the Sustainable Development Agenda.
Encourage feedback of on-ground experience and issues worthy of UN attention
Encourage profile-raising activities by members and collaborators within Provinces and countries

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Interns and Advocates

Provide opportunities for Internships
Encourage Youth Engagement
Encourage network to receive and benefit from the experience of interns on returning home

Aim 3: Communicate with Network about IBVM UN NGO

Send UN Updates regularly for the purpose of educating of IBVM community and its global networks about the work of the UN in addressing systemic change
Maintain and enhance the Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and consider other social media possibilities.
Develop a well-coordinated streamlined multi communication/working system to include all interest groups within the wider IBVM network
Encourage members and collaborators to use communication platforms to educate, raise awareness and advocate within countries
Provide multimedia information on UN Processes and activities
Prepare brochures in collaboration with network addressed to Schools
Prepare Brochures in collaboration with network targeting Adults, associates and alumni.

Aim 4: Develop and review the role of the UN Advisory Committee.

Consolidate the role of the UN Advisory Committee and establish subcommittees as necessary with possibility of co-opted expertise in relation to:

Supporting and advising the UN Representative

Staying abreast of significant justice issues and NGO activities through information shared
Supporting ongoing networking and advocacy.
Offering or sourcing professional development resources
Addressing specific areas of concern that may arise within the overall UN NGO structure

Assisting with the development of strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the UN presence.