The Congressional Black Caucus Institute Global African Diaspora Initiative (CBCI-GADI) empowers African Americans to actively participate in the United Nations (UN) system and the global stage. With UN-ECOSOC Consultative Status since 2017, CBCI-GADI supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promotes diversity, amplifies African American perspectives in international discussions, and opens global career opportunities.

As a leading advocate for justice, democratic governance, and human rights, CBCI-GADI builds strategic partnerships to advance the Congressional Black Caucus’s global leadership legacy. CBCI-GADI’s Consultative Status provides the distinct privilege to actively contribute to UN policy formulation, engage in international conferences that bring forward the challenges and opportunities of the global African diaspora.

This work continues a historic 8-decade legacy, honoring trailblazers like Dr. Ralph Bunche, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Mary McLeod Bethune, who helped shape the creation of the UN in 1945 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights global dialogue. Despite historic contributions of African Americans to the UN, less than 5% of the 5,400 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with consultative status are led by African Americans.

Within that context, CBCI-GADI sits on the global Board of Directors of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CoNGO) that represents NGOs worldwide. CBCI-GADI is dedicated to changing this dynamic, ensuring African diaspora voices are central in global decision-making.

Join us in advancing global equity.