UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, has earned EDGE Move, the second level of EDGE certification, the leading global business certification standard for gender equality. It has also reconfirmed its commitment to intersectional equity by renewing its EDGEplus certification, which it first obtained in 2022.
UNFPA was the first UN agency to obtain the EDGEplus certification back in 2022, which recognized its efforts to protect the rights of its staff at the intersections of gender and race/ethnicity, sexual identity/orientation, age, disability and nationality. UNFPA has now obtained EDGE Move, the second certification level, a testament to the work UNFPA has put in to strengthen its institutional framework of policies and practices to ensure equal pay for equivalent work for all staff; equity in recruitment and promotion; flexible working; and organizational culture.
This dual recognition underscores UNFPA's dedication to gender equality and its proactive stance in addressing the rights of employees whose overlapping identities may lead to them being disadvantaged.
"I am proud of the strides UNFPA is making to build a fairer, more inclusive workplace," said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. "We are deeply committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive."
"Achieving the EDGE Move and EDGEplus certifications for gender and intersectional equity stands as a testament to UNFPA's profound commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce," said Aniela Unguresan, Founder of EDGE Certified Foundation. "This progressive journey towards the second level of EDGE certification stems from UNFPA's intentional, prioritized, and measured approach to ensure a respectful and inclusive work environment for all. Congratulations to UNFPA on reaching this remarkable milestone and for being the first UN agency to extend its EDGE certification beyond gender, embracing the broader aspects of diversity."
UNFPA commended for its staff gender balance
As part of its EDGE Move certification, UNFPA was commended for maintaining a gender balance across all professional staff levels, proving that it is fully committed towards becoming a gender-balanced organization. It scored well over the 65 per cent threshold set by EDGE in four out of five criteria it was assessed against, including 100 per cent in the equal pay for equal work category.
The certification required UNFPA to commit to an ambitious plan for how it can further accelerate progress in its inclusive culture as well as leadership development training and mentoring.
To know more about UNFPA's diverse and inclusive culture, visit the DEI page.
