ICSW has the highest level of consultative status with the United Nations in relation to the work of the Economic and Social Council. It is also accredited to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and to regional intergovernmental organisations.

ICSW has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which ensures close cooperation between the two bodies. Since the Memorandum was signed in July 1997, ICSW and UNDP have worked closely together on the series of ICSW regional and sub-regional civil society forums on the implementation of the World Summit for Social Development.

ICSW's high level of consultative status within the United Nations has also ensured that the organisation is fully consulted and involved in important social development issues being discussed by the United Nations.