FAQ's
Parallel Event Organizer Information

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What are Parallel Events?

One of the key components of the NGO CSW Forum is the Parallel Events. Each year, we invite civil society organizations (CSOs) around the globe to apply to host a Parallel Event, regardless of their UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) accreditation status. These events are completely organized by the host organization and address the UN CSW priority and/or review theme in some way. In 2024, the themes of CSW69 are:

CSW69 Focus: The review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. The review will include an assessment of current challenges that affect the implementation of the Platform for Action and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and its contribution towards the full realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Parallel Events not only provide a space and voice for NGOs and CSOs who may not have a voice at/access to the UN, but they also allow for education and galvanizing around different issues and topics within the feminist and women’s movement. All Parallel Events are open to the public. There is no fee to attend events.

Are there both in-person and virtual Parallel Events?

Yes, the hybrid format allows for both in-person and virtual events. A limited number of in-person slots are available, while virtual event slots are guaranteed for those on the waitlist if in-person options are unavailable. Separate applications are required for in-person and virtual events.

Is a co-sponsor required to host a Parallel Event?

In-person Events: Yes, if you are planning on hosting an in person event. This year, in-person Parallel Events will be hosted by consortia of two to three organizations, with one serving as the lead organization. One organization will be listed as the Lead Organization, and will have the ability to directly edit and manage their event page on the virtual portal. Lead organizations may apply for one in-person event. However, they can apply for more than one virtual event.

Virtual Events: No co-sponsor is needed. A single organization can apply to host.

What if there are no in-person slots available?

This year, time slot selection will be on a first come first served basis and we have a limited number of in-person event slots. A waitlist will be available. As they become available, newly opened time slots will be sent out to the waitlist. These will also be filled on a first come first served basis. To ensure your event goes as planned, we encourage you to choose from the available rooms or opt for a virtual event instead of relying on the waitlist. If you are not moved from the waitlist, we will automatically offer you a virtual event slot.

What happens if my application is not accepted?

Most applications are accepted unless they conflict with NGO CSW/NY's values or come from organizations with a history of disruptive behavior. If rejected, you will receive a refund minus a $25 processing fee.

How can I promote my event?

You can:

  • Sponsor a digital Handbook Ad.
  • Book a virtual Exhibit Booth.
  • Directly engage Forum participants who share similar interests.
  • Promote your event through your organization’s mailing list or network.

What is the refund policy for Parallel Events?

The full cost of your time slot selection is due upon application for both in-person and virtual applications.

You will have two weeks after receiving your acceptance email to accept or decline. In the event that you decline your acceptance, you will receive a refund for the cost of your room selection minus the non-refundable $25 processing fee.  For events canceled by organizers after the two week acceptance period no refunds are offered.

Can I reschedule my in-person Parallel Event?

You will not be able to reschedule your in-person event after you are accepted. If you are unable to have your in-person event during that time, we can change your session to a virtual event.

Will Wi-Fi be available at in-person venues?

Yes, public wifi will be available to use in all of the in-person venues. Although bandwidth will be increased during the two weeks of the Forum, we cannot guarantee that there will not be weak or interrupted connection due to the large number of people using the wifi at once.

Can I livestream my in-person event?

Parallel Event organizers can decide if they’d like to livestream their in-person event or add a hybrid/virtual element. However, NGO CSW/NY cannot guarantee that technical difficulties or weak wifi connections will not occur. NGO CSW/NY does not have capacity to provide technical support. In the event that you encounter issues setting up a hybrid session, you may lose valuable time and have to cut your event short. We do not want any of our organizers to have this experience and for this reason, we advise against hosting hybrid events in Forum venue spaces.

Does NGO CSW/NY provide interpretation services?

No. NGO CSW/NY does not provide interpretation for Parallel Events. We encourage Parallel Event organizers to provide interpretation for their events, but we are unable to provide interpretation services to them. We highly recommend if you are planning to have interpretation services, that you ask your interpreters to arrive well in advance of your event to minimize set up time as much as possible.

How long is an in-person Parallel Event?

All in-person Parallel Event sessions are 90 minutes. You will have 15 minutes before your event to set up and 15 minutes after your event to break down.

Please note: Out of respect for fellow organizers, we ask that organizers adhere strictly to the 15 minute set up and break down time. Failure to follow this policy will be considered a violation of our Guidelines for a safe and respectful forum environment. Organizers in violation of these guidelines may be prohibited from hosting parallel events in the future.

Can I serve refreshments at my event?

No food or drinks are allowed in event rooms, except for water.

What are the in-person venue addresses?

Church Center for the United Nations (CCUN)
777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017
- 2nd Floor (Large Room): 175 capacity
- 8th, 10th, 11th Floors (Regular Rooms): 70-80 capacity

Salvation Army
221 E. 52nd St., New York, NY 10022
- Auditorium (Large Room): 250 capacity
- Lower Level (Regular Room): 80 capacity

Do attendees need to register for events?

Registration is not required for attendees of your event. You are welcome to set up a registration link on your event page on the Virtual Portal to keep track of those who attend your event. However, attendees do not need to show any kind of registration or confirmation to enter the Parallel Event venues or rooms. They can simply show up on a first come basis.

Please note: For your safety and the safety of all Forum attendees, the venues will be enforcing fire codes. Once the event is at capacity, attendees will not be allowed inside the rooms.

Do attendees need a pass for in-person venues?

No. The NGO CSW69 Forum and all Parallel Events are totally open to the public. There is no pass, registration, or confirmation necessary to enter the venues or attend in-person Parallel Events.

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