As a non-governmental organization (NGO), IFBPW has Consultative Status, Category 1, with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It also has consultative status and special relations with the International Labour Office (ILO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

IFBPW has permanent representatives at the United Nations and its agencies in New York, Geneva, Paris and Vienna. These representatives keep IFBPW affiliates informed of UN activities and represent their views during meetings, particularly on issues relating to women's status.

IFBPW has played a major role in all four World Conferences for Women from 1975-1995. In addition, IFBPW has sponsored, co-sponsored and participated in regional meetings which have included training seminars, workshops, conferences and trade fairs.

Without the existence of the United Nations as a universal forum, the status of women could not have advanced to the degree it has within the space of just 50 years.

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