UNANIMA International: A New Chapter Begins…

More than 20 Years of Commitment to Justice and Human Dignity

With a deep sense of mission accomplished, UNANIMA International (UI) announces the conclusion of its activities at the end of 2025, after nearly 25 years of tireless commitment with the United Nations and around the globe.

This difficult yet thoughtful decision was made collectively, following a process of discernment involving the 23-member Religious Congregations of this non-governmental organization (NGO).

Founded through the initiative of Catherine Ferguson, SNJM, UI emerged in response to a call issued during the 2000 Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in the United States. From the very beginning, its mission was clear: to be a voice for women, children, refugees, and the planet within international institutions, especially the United Nations.

The name “UNANIMA” — blending “UN” for United Nations and anima, Latin for the feminine “spirit” or “breath” — perfectly reflects the organization’s vision of collective and united action, in one heart and one spirit.

Sowing Seeds of Transformation

Jean Quinn, UI Executive Director

Since its founding, UNANIMA International has built enduring connections between Religious Congregations and members of civil society, developing a strong international network of collaboration. Its influence has been particularly felt in areas such as anti-human trafficking efforts, water access as a human right, environmental ethics, climate justice, and, in the last decade, the growing recognition of homelessness as a critical global issue.

In the latest newsletter, UI Executive Director Jean Quinn shared that this transition is not a closure, but the fulfillment of a mission rooted in faith, compassion, and service.
“Every initiative, every voice raised, every action taken has sown seeds of transformation,” she wrote, confident that UI’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts, projects, and communities touched by its mission.

Gillian D’Souza Nazareth, Chair of the NGO Committee on Social Development, also highlighted the organization’s impact:
“UNANIMA International has been a beacon of light in the advocacy for social justice at the United Nations headquarters in New York,” she said. “I want to thank UNANIMA International for providing vision, executing its mission, and guiding the advocacy efforts of the NGO Committees over many years. It has consistently contributed in countless ways — through impartial leadership, human resources, time, effort, and expertise.”

Mission Accomplished

This decision followed a period of discernment that began in January 2025, during a meeting with the leaders of the member Congregations. Faced with declining human and financial resources and evolving institutional realities, the question arose: are we in a time of transition, or are we witnessing the conclusion of a chapter? The answer became clear in February 2025 during a meeting of the Board of Directors: UI has fulfilled its founding mission, and the time has come to close this chapter with gratitude and grace.

Until the end of the year, UI will continue its operations, and a special gathering will be held in September 2025 to celebrate its achievements and honor its partners and collaborators.The Board is also exploring possible pathways to allow members to carry forward certain aspects of UI’s work through new forms of solidarity.

And so, the story of UNANIMA International draws to a close — not in silence, but in the firm belief that actions taken in the name of justice, peace, and human dignity have a lasting impact.

Let us also remember that throughout this journey, many Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), along with lay partners, have benefitted from their involvement with UNANIMA International. Through this affiliation, they had the opportunity to participate in and contribute to various United Nations events and commissions in New York, making meaningful contributions to global advocacy efforts.

Source photo : UNANIMA International