About the SDG Action Zone
The SDG Action Zone is a space inside the United Nations grounds during General Assembly week (UNGA) where different actors can engage around UN High-level meetings and events in a meaningful and visible way. It will be held on the Rose Garden of the UN Headquarters in New York City.
The SDG Action Zone will be programmed throughout the High-level week, from Monday, 23 September – Friday, 27 September. The SDG Action Zone will feature varied sessions such as panel discussions, lightning-talks, exhibitions, and networking receptions. The structure of the daily programming will cater to each day’s needs and common objectives. Applicants must submit their event proposals through the online application process by the 12 August deadline to be considered.
The physical space will be modern and flexible with moveable furniture. The main convening space will be set in theatre-style (as standard) and will include a dynamic exhibition area. Further information on the design and structure will be shared at a later date.
The SDG Media Zone broadcasts live interviews, panel discussions and other digital content related to the conversations happening at the UN General Assembly. The SDG Media Zone will be held in a space on the UN Visitors’ Plaza, while the SDG Action Zone will be held on the Rose Garden. Although the SDG Media Zone and the SDG Action Zone are in close proximity to each other, they are separately organized, convene independently, and will have distinct audiences. The SDG Action Zone is an exclusive space designed to enrich the experience of those attending UNGA and showcase actions and innovations, which might otherwise not be featured that week.
Selection Process
Proposals can be submitted through the application form. Only complete proposals submitted through this platform will be considered.
We are looking for individuals and organizations from all sectors whose proposals are fresh, dynamic, and break through silos to accelerate and collaborate on SDG action. We encourage the content to dig into specific, tangible issues and demonstrate how they drive transformative action. The relevance and overall quality of your proposal will be examined considering the following criteria:
- The relevance of the event to the themes of General Assembly week: SDGs, sustainable development, climate action, universal health coverage, development financing, and small island states.
- The value your event provides to various constituencies present during General Assembly week (i.e. civil society, business, academia, other key United Nations partners and governments).
- The scope of impact.
- The relevance, impact, and feasibility of managing event/exhibition space in September.
Priority will be given to proposals focused on Leave No One Behind and youth engagement in relation to the UNGA themes.
If selected, your event must meet the following cumulative conditions:
- Promote action and accountability for the themes of UNGA: SDGs, climate action, universal health coverage, development financing, and small island states.
- Involve multiple sectors (i.e. governments, civil society, business, academia, and other key United Nations partners) The more sectors included the higher consideration your proposal will be given.
- Include the minimum representation of the following three constituencies:*
- Minimum 50% female speakers
- Minimum 50% speakers from the Global South
- Minimum of 2 youth (between the ages of 15-32)
- Connect and add value to the High-level events happening during UN General Assembly week.
- Engage the audience in an innovative way that goes beyond just reporting on SDG progress to date.
- Include event staff and event manager from your team who will handle the set-up, break-down, and catering of the event.
*For example, a panel session with 4 speakers might have the following line-up:
- Speaker #1: Female
- Speaker #2: Female & youth
- Speaker #3: Global South
- Speaker #4: Global South & youth
In order to deliver an impactful event schedule which features diverse viewpoints, perspectives, sectors and expertise, we are looking to build a speaker roster that may be drawn upon to build and strengthen sessions. Individuals from a range of backgrounds are invited to register their interest to be invited to speak. As the programme develops, speakers may be approached by event hosts and invited to join event programmes. No logistic of financial support will be available, so speakers should already be planning to be in New York between 23 – 27 September 2019. If your organisation is bringing speakers to New York who you think would add value to other events, we encourage you to add them to the roster. Only speakers that registered on the online application form will be considered.
Proposals should feature new media, new technologies, innovations, games and/or immersive experiences that attendees can interact with in order to increase knowledge, empathy, and action for positive social change. The exhibition must include an expert host or facilitator at the space to show, guide and assist participants, and the necessary equipment or materials. Reliable power sources and WiFi will be available.
The deadline to apply is 12 August, 2019 at 11:59 pm EST.
All proposals will receive a decision by the end of August. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of applicants, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
All applications should be submitted in English.
No, once proposals are submitted, they are considered final. Please carefully review your application before submitting.
While speakers do not need to be officially confirmed at the time of application, all speakers indicated in your application should be feasible to secure. If selected, you will be expected to secure either the proposed speaker or someone of comparable stature, specifically of comparable knowledge and dynamism, by 13 September. If any speakers are unconfirmed at that point, the SDG Action Zone can help ensure adherence by drawing speakers from the roster.
Applicants are discouraged from listing the name of an organisation in place of a speaker as in this event, applications may be deemed incomplete.
Yes, all completed proposals will be considered, given that they comply with the stated criteria.
Event Programming
There will be flexible programming throughout the day, running from 08:00 to 20:30. It is envisioned that each day will end with a networking reception.
Applicants can indicate their top three dates and times, however final selections will be determined based on programme demands. Please consider the thematic area in focus when identifying a preferred date as events in the SDG Action Zone will mirror the themes of the General Assembly week each day. Please also consider the type of event you wish to host when indicating your preference as you will be asked to select one of the tentative time slots in the application form: breakfast (08:00-09:30), morning (10:00-11:30), lunch (12:30-14:00), afternoon (14:30-16:00)
Evening receptions will be held from 18:30-20:30.
Lightning-talks will be held throughout the day.
Additional costs will be incurred for those sessions requiring catering.
Session times will vary, depending on programme needs.
- Sessions: 60-90 minutes (including Q&A)
- Lightning-talks: 10-15 minutes
- Receptions: 120 minutes
- Exhibitions: Full day
Event hosts are responsible for catering costs, if applicable.
Where necessary and feasible, minimal operating costs will be recovered. Cost estimates will be updated to this site when they become available.
There will be screens where digital branding can be placed. Guidelines will be provided to successful applicants.
The tent can accommodate a maximum capacity of approximately 300 – 350 participants.
The SDG Action Zone events will be ticketed and will require access via the UN Media Entrance on 47th Street. Ticket holders for the SDG Action Zone will be pre-screened by UN Security (per standard procedures) and will have access to the Rose Garden and SDG Media Zone only. Participants will NOT have access to the UN Conference Building. This participant approval process will be confirmed at a later date. The final security list will need to be cleared by Security at least one week prior to the event.
Journalists will be required to apply for media accreditation separately.
No. Event hosts will be allotted a number of special access passes linked to the time of their event to distribute to speakers and invited participants. Event hosts will be required to submit lists of attendees to the SDG Action Zone at least 1 week ahead of the event in order for security to issue the required passes. More information on this process and timeframes will be shared once events are confirmed.
All sessions of the SDG Action Zone will be promoted through the SDG Action Zone website, and various UN and partner communication streams. Hosts are also encouraged to cross-promote on their own platforms. Further guidance will be provided upon acceptance of submissions.
Yes, we encourage the event hosts to invite diverse constituencies to attend their events. The final security list will need to be cleared by Security at least one week prior to the event. The SDG Action Zone will also remain open to individuals with access to the UN premises.
Following the session’s selection, the SDG Action Zone will provide a briefing, operational guidance, on-site event support, and further details on programming and scheduling.
In the event there are last-minute changes to the agenda, the event hosts can invite new speakers from the SDG Action Zone speaker roster. In the event of cancellation, the criteria will still need to be met.
No, all travel and visa arrangements must be made directly by the event hosts, speakers, or participants. The SDG Action Zone will not be able to lend support in any capacity.
A tentative schedule will be posted on the SDG Action Zone website at a later date.
Please email info@sdgactionzone.org for any additional questions.
SDG ACTION ZONE
LOCATION: UN ROSE GARDEN
DATES: SEPT 23-27
INFO
Please Note:
Where necessary and feasible, minimal operating costs will be recovered.
All events remain unconfirmed until they receive final approval from the SDG Action Zone
About the SDG Action Zone
The SDG Action Zone is a space inside the United Nations grounds during General Assembly week (UNGA) where different actors can engage around UN High-level meetings and events in a meaningful and visible way. It will be held on the Rose Garden of the UN Headquarters in New York City.
The SDG Action Zone will be programmed throughout the High-level week, from Monday, 23 September – Friday, 27 September. The SDG Action Zone will feature varied sessions such as panel discussions, lightning-talks, exhibitions, and networking receptions. The structure of the daily programming will cater to each day’s needs and common objectives. Applicants must submit their event proposals through the online application process by the 12 August deadline to be considered.
The physical space will be modern and flexible with moveable furniture. The main convening space will be set in theatre-style (as standard) and will include a dynamic exhibition area. Further information on the design and structure will be shared at a later date.
The SDG Media Zone broadcasts live interviews, panel discussions and other digital content related to the conversations happening at the UN General Assembly. The SDG Media Zone will be held in a space on the UN Visitors’ Plaza, while the SDG Action Zone will be held on the Rose Garden. Although the SDG Media Zone and the SDG Action Zone are in close proximity to each other, they are separately organized, convene independently, and will have distinct audiences. The SDG Action Zone is an exclusive space designed to enrich the experience of those attending UNGA and showcase actions and innovations, which might otherwise not be featured that week.
Selection Process
Proposals can be submitted through the application form. Only complete proposals submitted through this platform will be considered.
We are looking for individuals and organizations from all sectors whose proposals are fresh, dynamic, and break through silos to accelerate and collaborate on SDG action. We encourage the content to dig into specific, tangible issues and demonstrate how they drive transformative action. The relevance and overall quality of your proposal will be examined considering the following criteria:
- The relevance of the event to the themes of General Assembly week: SDGs, sustainable development, climate action, universal health coverage, development financing, and small island states.
- The value your event provides to various constituencies present during General Assembly week (i.e. civil society, business, academia, other key United Nations partners and governments).
- The scope of impact.
- The relevance, impact, and feasibility of managing event/exhibition space in September.
Priority will be given to proposals focused on Leave No One Behind and youth engagement in relation to the UNGA themes.
If selected, your event must meet the following cumulative conditions:
- Promote action and accountability for the themes of UNGA: SDGs, climate action, universal health coverage, development financing, and small island states.
- Involve multiple sectors (i.e. governments, civil society, business, academia, and other key United Nations partners) The more sectors included the higher consideration your proposal will be given.
- Include the minimum representation of the following three constituencies:*
- Minimum 50% female speakers
- Minimum 50% speakers from the Global South
- Minimum of 2 youth (between the ages of 15-32)
- Connect and add value to the High-level events happening during UN General Assembly week.
- Engage the audience in an innovative way that goes beyond just reporting on SDG progress to date.
- Include event staff and event manager from your team who will handle the set-up, break-down, and catering of the event.
*For example, a panel session with 4 speakers might have the following line-up:
- Speaker #1: Female
- Speaker #2: Female & youth
- Speaker #3: Global South
- Speaker #4: Global South & youth
In order to deliver an impactful event schedule which features diverse viewpoints, perspectives, sectors and expertise, we are looking to build a speaker roster that may be drawn upon to build and strengthen sessions. Individuals from a range of backgrounds are invited to register their interest to be invited to speak. As the programme develops, speakers may be approached by event hosts and invited to join event programmes. No logistic of financial support will be available, so speakers should already be planning to be in New York between 23 – 27 September 2019. If your organisation is bringing speakers to New York who you think would add value to other events, we encourage you to add them to the roster. Only speakers that registered on the online application form will be considered.
Proposals should feature new media, new technologies, innovations, games and/or immersive experiences that attendees can interact with in order to increase knowledge, empathy, and action for positive social change. The exhibition must include an expert host or facilitator at the space to show, guide and assist participants, and the necessary equipment or materials. Reliable power sources and WiFi will be available.
The deadline to apply is 12 August, 2019 at 11:59 pm EST.
All proposals will receive a decision by the end of August. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of applicants, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
All applications should be submitted in English.
No, once proposals are submitted, they are considered final. Please carefully review your application before submitting.
While speakers do not need to be officially confirmed at the time of application, all speakers indicated in your application should be feasible to secure. If selected, you will be expected to secure either the proposed speaker or someone of comparable stature, specifically of comparable knowledge and dynamism, by 13 September. If any speakers are unconfirmed at that point, the SDG Action Zone can help ensure adherence by drawing speakers from the roster.
Applicants are discouraged from listing the name of an organisation in place of a speaker as in this event, applications may be deemed incomplete.
Yes, all completed proposals will be considered, given that they comply with the stated criteria.
Event Programming
There will be flexible programming throughout the day, running from 08:00 to 20:30. It is envisioned that each day will end with a networking reception.
Applicants can indicate their top three dates and times, however final selections will be determined based on programme demands. Please consider the thematic area in focus when identifying a preferred date as events in the SDG Action Zone will mirror the themes of the General Assembly week each day. Please also consider the type of event you wish to host when indicating your preference as you will be asked to select one of the tentative time slots in the application form: breakfast (08:00-09:30), morning (10:00-11:30), lunch (12:30-14:00), afternoon (14:30-16:00)
Evening receptions will be held from 18:30-20:30.
Lightning-talks will be held throughout the day.
Additional costs will be incurred for those sessions requiring catering.
Session times will vary, depending on programme needs.
- Sessions: 60-90 minutes (including Q&A)
- Lightning-talks: 10-15 minutes
- Receptions: 120 minutes
- Exhibitions: Full day
Event hosts are responsible for catering costs, if applicable.
Where necessary and feasible, minimal operating costs will be recovered. Cost estimates will be updated to this site when they become available.
There will be screens where digital branding can be placed. Guidelines will be provided to successful applicants.
The tent can accommodate a maximum capacity of approximately 300 – 350 participants.
The SDG Action Zone events will be ticketed and will require access via the UN Media Entrance on 47th Street. Ticket holders for the SDG Action Zone will be pre-screened by UN Security (per standard procedures) and will have access to the Rose Garden and SDG Media Zone only. Participants will NOT have access to the UN Conference Building. This participant approval process will be confirmed at a later date. The final security list will need to be cleared by Security at least one week prior to the event.
Journalists will be required to apply for media accreditation separately.
No. Event hosts will be allotted a number of special access passes linked to the time of their event to distribute to speakers and invited participants. Event hosts will be required to submit lists of attendees to the SDG Action Zone at least 1 week ahead of the event in order for security to issue the required passes. More information on this process and timeframes will be shared once events are confirmed.
All sessions of the SDG Action Zone will be promoted through the SDG Action Zone website, and various UN and partner communication streams. Hosts are also encouraged to cross-promote on their own platforms. Further guidance will be provided upon acceptance of submissions.
Yes, we encourage the event hosts to invite diverse constituencies to attend their events. The final security list will need to be cleared by Security at least one week prior to the event. The SDG Action Zone will also remain open to individuals with access to the UN premises.
Following the session’s selection, the SDG Action Zone will provide a briefing, operational guidance, on-site event support, and further details on programming and scheduling.
In the event there are last-minute changes to the agenda, the event hosts can invite new speakers from the SDG Action Zone speaker roster. In the event of cancellation, the criteria will still need to be met.
No, all travel and visa arrangements must be made directly by the event hosts, speakers, or participants. The SDG Action Zone will not be able to lend support in any capacity.
A tentative schedule will be posted on the SDG Action Zone website at a later date.
Please email info@sdgactionzone.org for any additional questions.
SDG ACTION ZONE
LOCATION: UN ROSE GARDEN
DATES: SEPT 23-27
INFO
Please Note:
Where necessary and feasible, minimal operating costs will be recovered.
All events remain unconfirmed until they receive final approval from the SDG Action Zone