Nairobi, Kenya, 4 May 2024 – The United Nations Office at Nairobi is set to host the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future on 9 and 10 May. This historic event marks the first time the UN Civil Society Conference will be held in the global South.

The Conference will bring together some 2000 participants, including registered civil society organisations, academic institutions, think tanks, Member States, private sector companies, UN entities, change makers and other relevant stakeholders from across the globe.

President William Ruto of Kenya and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are expected to deliver remarks at the closing session of the civil-society-led gathering.

Coming ahead of the world leaders’ Summit of the Future, which will take place during 22-23 September 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Nairobi conference aims to promote civil society's insights and initiatives to bolster the Member State-led Summit of the Future process and its outcome document, the Pact for the Future, alongside a Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations.

The September Summit of the Future aims to unite a diverse range of stakeholders to take action towards restoring trust and fostering effective international cooperation to deliver on a better present and safeguard the future. This includes accelerating progress towards existing commitments including the Sustainable Development Goals, and agreeing on solutions to global challenges faced across different spheres including financing for development; international peace and security; science, technology and innovation, and digital cooperation; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.

With the theme Shaping a Future of Global and Sustainable Progress, the Nairobi conference will not only generate momentum but also aim to influence the discussions on the Pact for the Future and at the September Summit through strategic partnerships formed by civil society organizations.

The 2024 UN Civil Society Conference will feature in-depth dialogues, a variety of workshops, and exhibits, and has three main objectives:

  • Inclusivity: The conference aims to broaden the scope of discourse on global issues, enhancing the visibility and impact of diverse voices ahead of the Summit of the Future.
  • Impact: As a prelude to the Summit of the Future, the Nairobi Conference seeks to form global multistakeholder coalitions that will advocate and push forward the key issues that will be the outcome of the September Summit of the Future.
  • Innovation: The gathering aims to redefine the interaction between civil society and intergovernmental processes, showcasing a new model of collaboration that spans generations and sectors.

More information about the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference is available here 2024UNCSC | United Nations and through the hashtag #2024UNCSC.
For information on the Summit of the Future (22-23 September 2024), click here.                                          

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Note to Editors:

Media Invitation:

Media registration for the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference is currently open. Interested journalists are encouraged to register here to cover the Conference. Media already accredited to the UN Office at Nairobi, Gigiri, and interested in covering the Conference will still need to register at the link provided above.

There will be press conferences off campus ahead of the conference, and at UNON during the gathering.

Accredited journalists to the Conference will have access to plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and exclusive interviews with key speakers and participants.

Both the opening and closing ceremonies, along with key sessions, will be broadcast live on UN WebTV, with closed captioning in English and French interpretation: https://webtv.un.org/en

Key Dates:

  • Tuesday 7 May 2024: Press Conference with the Co-Chairs of the Planning Committee of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future.
    Time: 12:30pm. Venue: Nairobi Serena Hotel (More details to follow).
  • Wednesday 8 May 2024: Local Mobilisation Day, organized by the Conference Host Committee, to further engage Kenyan civil society organizations, including a Fun Run featuring Kenyan athletes, will highlight commitments towards a sustainable future. (Details to follow)
  • Thursday 9 and Friday 10 May 2024: 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future.

For more information, detailed conference schedules, or to arrange interviews, please contact: