UN-NGLS: Special accreditation video

Summary

In this conversation, Catherine and Karma discuss the process of applying for special accreditation to attend high-level events at the United Nations. Catherine’s organization is not in consultative status with ECOSOC, so she is advised to apply for special accreditation. Karma explains the application process, including submission via a portal, review by UN officials, and approval from Member States. Special accreditation must be reapplied for each event, and event registration is a separate process. Catherine is encouraged to check the UN’s website for upcoming events requiring special accreditation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Special accreditation allows non-ECOSOC consultative organizations to attend high-level UN events.
• 😀 NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector entities can apply for special accreditation if events allow it.
• 😀 The process for special accreditation is initiated through a portal created by the UN's Department of Global Communications (DGC).
• 😀 After submitting their applications, organizations are reviewed by DGC and their list is sent to the Office of the President of the General Assembly (PGA).
• 😀 The PGA circulates the list of applicants to the Member States for approval.
• 😀 Organizations are informed of their accreditation status once the Member States approve their applications.
• 😀 Special accreditation is event-specific and does not carry over between events.
• 😀 Organizations must reapply for special accreditation for each individual event they wish to attend.
• 😀 Special accreditation does not automatically register an organization for the event itself.
• 😀 After receiving accreditation, organizations must separately register for the event they have been approved to attend.

Q & A

What is special accreditation at the United Nations?

Special accreditation allows organizations, including NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector entities, that are not in consultative status with ECOSOC, to attend high-level UN events after receiving approval from Member States.

Who can apply for special accreditation?

Organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector entities that are not in consultative status with ECOSOC can apply for special accreditation.

What is the process for applying for special accreditation?

The process begins with submitting an application through a portal created by the UN's Department of Global Communications. After review, the list of applicants is sent to the Office of the President of the General Assembly (PGA) for approval. Once approved, organizations are informed of their accreditation status.

Do organizations need to apply for special accreditation for each event?

Yes, organizations need to reapply for special accreditation for each individual event, even if they have been previously approved for another event.

What happens after an organization is approved for special accreditation?

After receiving special accreditation approval, organizations still need to register for the specific event they are attending. Special accreditation does not automatically register them for the event.

Why doesn't the organization automatically register for events after receiving special accreditation?

Special accreditation only grants approval for attendance; it does not handle the registration process for specific events. Registration must be completed separately.

What role does the Office of the President of the General Assembly (PGA) play in the special accreditation process?

The PGA circulates the list of organizations applying for special accreditation among the Member States for their approval. Once approval is granted, organizations are informed about their accreditation status.

Are all UN events eligible for special accreditation?

No, special accreditation is only available for certain high-level events, and each event's resolutions must allow for special accreditation.

How can organizations check for upcoming events that allow special accreditation?

Organizations can check the UN's official website or portal, such as UN Angeles, for a list of upcoming events that are open to specially accredited participants.

What should an organization do if they have already applied for special accreditation for an event?

If an organization has already applied for special accreditation for a particular event, they will still need to reapply for each new event they wish to attend.