Message from UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Dear friends in the civil society community,

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones well.

After careful review, the temporary restrictions limiting civil society access to the United Nations Headquarters Complex (UNHQ) due to the COVID-19 pandemic are being gradually lifted.

Effective immediately, civil society representatives are invited to participate in ad-hoc meetings and events in-person with the issuance of Special Events Tickets. Access to such meetings and events, and the issuance of the Special Event Tickets, will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the event organizers and the relevant intergovernmental bodies. Details of participation and the processes necessary to gain access to each meeting and event will be communicated upon registration.

Beginning in January 2022, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the Department of Global Communications (DGC) will also, in line with established procedures, resume our respective processes of issuing yearly and temporary grounds passes for those organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and/or formally associated with DGC. Further details and instructions will be sent shortly.

To ensure a safe and healthy environment, all civil society representatives will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to access the UNHQ complex. In addition, to align with the mandatory requirements/guidance of the host state, proof of vaccination will be required for all representatives in order to access seated indoor dining at UNHQ.

While at the UNHQ complex, civil society representatives are also expected to comply with all risk mitigation measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes practicing physical distancing and wearing a mask at all times indoors when in public areas, including lobbies, elevators, and restrooms, as well as during participation at meetings and events. Eating and drinking should be limited to when seated in a café.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated of any new developments as the situation continues to evolve. Please note that there could be a resumption of restrictions should the COVID-19 situation in New York City deteriorate.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Sincerely,

NGO Branch Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Civil Society Unit Department of Global Communications