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COSP General Instructions For Side Events

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[ Online Application Form for COSP18 Side Events ]

The deadline for submission of online application forms for side-events is 4 April 2025.

Most side events will take place virtually.

In-person side events at the UN Headquarters in New York can ONLY be hosted by UN Permanent Missions, intergovernmental organizations, and United Nations system entities. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), if registered and approved in Indico, can attend these events.

If space allows, NGOs may host their in-person side event at the UN headquarters if they partner with at least one member state or a UN agency. Alternatively, they can host their event outside of the UN headquarters or virtually using platforms like Zoom or Webex.

All participants must comply with the United Nations Code of Conduct.
For any questions, please email us at socialngo@un.org and cc enable@un.org.

General Instructions 

Please note the following:

  • To promote broad stakeholder participation, ONLY one event application will be accepted per main sponsor. The main sponsor can co-sponsor as many events as they would like but can only organize one event.
     
  • Priority will be given to multi-stakeholder events that include Member States, Intergovernmental Organizations, UN agencies and civil society organizations.
     
  •  Side-events should be related to the COSP18 Overarching theme on “Enhancing public awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities for social development leading up to the World Social Summit”.
     
  • Side event organizers are requested to notify the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) about any additional side events they have planned. These events will be added to the official list of side events that will be published on the COSP18 website.

Deadline

The deadline for submission of online application forms for side-events is 4 April 2025  (EDT – New York Time).

In Person - Room Allocation and Services

  • The organizers of in-person side events are responsible for all costs related to audio/visual services, webcasting, security services, etc. Once your event has been confirmed, you will receive detailed information on how to request these services.
     
  • Please be aware that organizers of in-person side events must pay the mandatory UN Security charges.

Virtual Events

Please ensure that you add the link to your virtual event (such as Zoom or WebEx) to the online calendar (which will be shared with you once your event is approved) so that participants can join your event.

Catering

Refreshments are optional. Side-event organizers should get in touch with the Official UN Caterer, Culinart Group. For further details, visit www.culinartgroup.com or email Catering-Services@un.org. Food is prohibited in conference rooms and can only be consumed in areas specified by Culinart.

Confirmed Side-Events:

Please provide us with a link to your side event so that we can also post it on our website dedicated to the side events.

Cancellation of Confirmed Side-Events:

In case your event needs to be cancelled you must provide at least 48 hours’ notice via email to socialngo@un.org or you will be liable for any costs related to the event.

Language Interpretation:

Please note that the United Nations will only provide language interpreters to the UN Secretariat within very limited capacity. Member States, UN Agencies, NGOs, or any other stakeholders are welcome to bring their own interpreters.

Accessibility: Cart Services, and International Sign Language:

  • The United Nations is committed to the promotion of accessibility, in this regard all efforts will be made for the accessibility of the Commission for Social Development.
  • BCSS provides cart services if they are available, or they can be requested by the side event organizers. See the List of suggested Cart Services Providers
  • Please note that the United Nations will only provide sign language interpretation to the UN Secretariat within very limited capacity. Member States, UN Agencies, NGOs, or any other stakeholders are welcome to bring their own interpreters. List of suggested International Sign Language Interpreters
  • For inquiries regarding specific equipment such as screen readers, please visit the UN Accessibility Center at http://www.un.org/accessibilitycentre or send your inquiry by email at accessibilitycentre@un.org.