Side events

UNFF side events guidelines

UNFF21 | 11–15 May 2026 | United Nations Headquarters, New York, conference room 4

Side events are organized in parallel with the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) and provide an opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge, showcase initiatives, and contribute to discussions aligned with the UNFF agenda.

General information

Timing and format

UNFF side events will be held in person from 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm during the session.

Eligibility

Requests to organize a side event may be submitted by:

  • UNFF Member States
  • UN system organizations
  • UN-accredited intergovernmental organizations
  • Organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC
  • UNFF-accredited Major Groups

Thematic relevance

All side events must relate to items on the UNFF21 agenda.

How to apply

Submission deadline

Requests must be submitted via the online application form by Friday, 27 February 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

Application requirements

The online form must include:

  • A detailed description of the side event and its thematic focus
  • Proposed speakers or presenters
  • Preferred date and room (even if tentative)
  • The primary requesting entity and any co-organizers
  • Relevant contact information
Selection and approval
  • Side events must be open to all UNFF participants. Closed or invitation-only events should be organized outside UN Headquarters.
  • Due to limited availability, only one side event request per entity will be considered.
  • Priority will be given to:
    • Events organized by UNFF Member States
    • Jointly organized events involving multiple entities or countries
  • Organizers are strongly encouraged to collaborate. The Secretariat may request that events covering similar themes be merged.

Following the review process, organizers will be informed of the outcome. For approved events, the Secretariat will confirm the assigned date and conference room. While preferences will be considered, final scheduling decisions rest with the Secretariat and may be adjusted if needed.

Practical arrangements

Sustainability

Side events are encouraged to be paperless or paper-smart. Any printed materials must be removed from the room after the event.

Restrictions

  • The sale of goods or materials is strictly prohibited.
  • The Secretariat may remove materials deemed inappropriate.

Outreach

The provisional schedule of side events will be posted on the UNFF website prior to the session. Promotion of individual side events is the responsibility of the organizers.

Services and costs
  • Side events at UN Headquarters are organized on a full cost-recovery basis.
  • Approved organizers will receive applicable rates once room allocation is confirmed.
  • Organizers must have a valid UN Business Partner (BP) number, and all costs must be paid in full before the event.

Available services 

All services are subject to availability and charges:

  • Standard audiovisual services
  • Webcasting services
  • Catering services (outside conference rooms only)

Virtual participation and videoconferencing are not available for side events.

Safety and security

All individuals participating in UNFF side events must comply with:

  • The United Nations Code of Conduct
  • All UN safety and security regulations
  • The rules, procedures, and protocols governing access to and behaviour on UN premises

Failure to comply with these requirements will not be tolerated.

Prohibited activities

Any behaviour or activity that disrupts, interferes with, or undermines the normal functioning of UNFF meetings or side events is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Public demonstrations, protests, or organized gatherings of any kind
  • Display of banners, placards, signs, slogans, or other written or visual materials
  • Use of clothing, symbols, audio equipment, or other means intended to convey messages or cause disruption
  • Any actions that may compromise safety, security, or the orderly conduct of official activities

Security enforcement

All persons on United Nations premises are required to fully cooperate with United Nations security officers at all times, including compliance with security checks, instructions, and requests.

In accordance with Section 10 of the United Nations Headquarters Agreement and the Administrative Instruction: Authority of United Nations Security Officers, failure or refusal to comply with applicable rules or lawful instructions may result in:

  • Immediate removal from the event or UN premises
  • Temporary detention
  • Denial of access to UN premises, either temporarily or permanently

These measures may be applied without prior notice where security considerations require.

Contact

For questions related to UNFF side events, please contact the UNFF Secretariat. Email the UNFF21 Side Events Focal Point.