Welcome to the United Nations
[ Online Application Form for COSP18 Side Events ]
The submission deadline has been extended to April 11, 2025, at 6 pm. New York Time.
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 @email.
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.
- Hybrid Side Events: Please note that hybrid side events (including remote international sign language interpreters and remote panelists or guests for your event) cannot be accommodated due to limited capacity. International sign language interpreters must be available only onsite.
- Please be aware that to ensure accessibility for all our events, you MUST include closed captions and make every effort to arrange for international sign language interpretation. However, due to the high number of events, securing sign language interpretation may not always be possible for your specific 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”.
- Organizers of side events should inform the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) about any additional side events they have scheduled related to COSP18, whether held online or outside the UN Headquarters. These events will be included in the official list of side events, which will be published on the COSP18 website.
Deadline
The deadline for submission is 4 April 2025 by 11:30 p.m. New York Time.
In Person - Room Allocation and Services
- The organizers of in-person side events are responsible for covering all expenses associated with their event. After your event is confirmed, you will receive detailed instructions on how to request these services.
- Please note that organizers of in-person side events at the UN Headquarters are required to pay mandatory charges for special events, utilities, and UN Security.
Virtual Events
Please ensure that you add the link to your virtual event (such as Zoom, WebEx or Teams) 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 @email. 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 @email or you will be liable for any costs related to the event.
Language Interpretation:
The United Nations will offer language interpreters to the UN Secretariat, but in a very limited capacity. We will send you the contact information to check their availability. Member States, UN Agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders are welcome to bring their own interpreters if necessary. However, before you bring your own interpreters, you must confirm with our BCSS colleagues (their contact details will be provided once your event is approved) to ensure they can accommodate the interpreters and instruct them on using the language booths in our conference rooms.
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 side events related to the COSP.
- Closed Captions or CART Services: BCSS offers CART services if available, or these can be arranged by the event organizers. Please note that if you have hired a closed captioning provider, they must be registered with iCAP. This needs to be confirmed by our colleagues at BCSS to ensure the closed captions are properly displayed in the designated conference room. See the List of suggested Cart Services Providers.
- International Sign Language Interpretation: 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. Please note that sign interpreters must be available only on site. 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 @email.
Important Notice on Visa Arrangements
The United Nations does not facilitate or intervene in the visa application process. It is the sole responsibility of participants to inquire about and secure their own visa arrangements, including fulfilling any necessary requirements set by the relevant authorities. We strongly recommend that participants begin the visa application process well in advance to ensure timely approval.