When people think of the United Nations, they often picture world leaders, diplomats and international negotiations. What many don’t realise is that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also play an important role, ensuring that the voices of communities around the world are heard. ICJW is an ECOSOC-recognized NGO represented at UN Headquarters in New York by an experienced and dedicated team of four women.
Throughout the year, Joan Lurie Goldberg, Judy Lear, Judy Mintz and Sara Winkowski attend committee meetings, major UN conferences and international events, both in person and online. They monitor issues that are important to Jewish women, Israel and the wider global community, while sharing regular reports that keep ICJW members informed about developments at the UN. Their work reflects ICJW’s long-standing commitment to education, advocacy and social justice, while building relationships with other NGOs and UN agencies. At times they also fulfil another vital role: ensuring that antisemitism and misinformation do not go unchallenged.
One of ICJW’s most significant areas of involvement is through the End Antisemitism and Promote Peace (EASAPP) Committee. Today, ICJW is the most active Jewish NGO participating in this committee, which brings together representatives from around 30 Jewish organisations, alongside other NGOs working within the UN system. Since its establishment in 2023, EASAPP has organised programmes, supported initiatives combating antisemitism and promoted greater understanding both within the United Nations and beyond. Joan Lurie Goldberg serves as Vice Chair, while Judy Mintz and Sara Winkowski are members of the Board, giving ICJW a strong and respected voice within the organisation.
Joan Lurie Goldberg also represents ICJW on the UN Sustainability Committee, where discussions focus on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Alongside this work, she continues her determined efforts to raise awareness of the growing problem of antisemitism within international institutions, speaking regularly to Jewish organisations about the challenges and the importance of remaining vigilant.
For Judy Lear, the focus is on one of the world’s fastest-growing populations – older people. As ICJW’s representative on the NGO Committee on Ageing and its subcommittee on Older Women, she helps advocate for policies and programmes that recognise the needs, rights and wellbeing of older women. She also participates in meetings of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, ensuring that women’s issues remain firmly on the international agenda.
Children and young women are at the heart of Judy Mintz’s work. She represents ICJW on the Working Group on Girls, a coalition of around 90 organisations dedicated to advancing the rights and opportunities of girls worldwide. Often the only Jewish organisation represented, ICJW contributes to discussions on poverty, education, equality and ensuring that girls’ voices are heard in decisions that affect their futures.
The Working Group also promotes the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl, observed each year on 11 October. The day shines a spotlight on the challenges facing girls around the world while encouraging governments, communities and civil society to work together to create lasting change. Read about the 2026 Day of the Girl events here.
Judy Mintz also follows the work of UNICEF, whose latest reports present a sobering picture. Although child mortality has fallen over recent decades, progress has slowed and millions of children continue to die from preventable illnesses, malnutrition and complications in early life. UNICEF is also highlighting urgent concerns around food security, child labour, child marriage, female genital mutilation, household violence and sexual abuse of children, reminding the international community that protecting the world’s youngest citizens remains one of its greatest responsibilities.
Sara Winkowski’s area of expertise is combating human trafficking. Although the UN NGO Committee on Stop Trafficking in Persons was unable to meet this year, because of unforeseen leadership issues, Sara prepared a comprehensive review of current global developments.
Her report notes that while international cooperation has improved, trafficking remains one of the world’s most complex human rights challenges. Cross-border investigations are increasing, legal protections have been strengthened in many countries, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals continue to drive international efforts to eliminate exploitation and forced labour. At the same time, economic hardship, armed conflict, displacement and climate-related crises are creating new opportunities for traffickers, while organised criminal networks increasingly exploit digital technology to evade law enforcement. Sara emphasises that continued international cooperation, stronger enforcement and sustained support for survivors are essential if meaningful progress is to continue. Read about our anti-trafficking campaign here.
The UN team’s work extends beyond committee meetings. Each year they participate in UN commemorations marking Yom HaShoah, ensuring that the memory of the Holocaust remains part of the international conversation. This year’s programme included Smuggled to Safety – An Infant’s Escape from the Warsaw Ghetto, featuring Holocaust survivor Elżbieta Ficowska; a powerful blog by Melissa Fleming titled Stand Up to Hatred, Don’t Be Silent; and a discussion with the editors of Elder Jews and the Holocaust.
Together, these four women represent far more than our organisation. They ensure that Jewish voices, Jewish values and the concerns of Jewish women are heard where international policies are discussed and global priorities are shaped. Through quiet determination, expertise and commitment, they continue to strengthen ICJW’s presence on the world stage while helping to build a more informed, more compassionate and more just international community.
