Frequently Asked Questions 

What is SDG Digital about? 

SDG Digital participants will take stock of achievements, gaps, and the opportunities that digital technologies have to offer in support of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Engaging discussions, presentations and group talks at UN Headquarters on 17 September 2023 will bring data and digital technologies front and centre to catalyse action on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

The event forms part of the SDG Action Weekend being hosted by the United Nations General Assembly ahead of the 2023 SDG Summit.  

Who are the organizers behind SDG Digital? 

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners will convene for SDG Digital in New York on 17 September with the support of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as Knowledge Partner. 

Who will speak at the event? 

Heads of State and high-level speakers from government, the private sector, civil society and youth will address key SDG Digital sessions, including on the high-impact initiative by ITU and UNDP to enhance Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Other speakers will highlight digital solutions for each of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals under the broader themes of People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace. 

How can I participate in SDG Digital on 17 September? 

Invited participants can take part at the venue on the day. The sessions will also be streamed live on UN Web TV and via the SDG Digital LinkedIn page.  

Who can register to take part at the SDG Digital event at UN Headquarters in New York? 

Registration is for invited event participants only. All invited SDG Digital participants will find a registration link with instructions in the invitation letter. 

Other interested participants are welcome to follow the sessions online with UN Web TV or via our LinkedIn page. 

Do I need an ITU user account or TIES access to register for the event? 

Event participants will need an ITU user account. TIES (Telecommunication Information Exchange Service) access is not necessary. Learn more about how to create an ITU user account. 

Will my SDG Digital registration give me access to other events during the UN General Assembly? 

Confirmed SDG Digital participants may be eligible for access to “open” events held at UN Headquarters during the SDG Action Weekend, 16-17 September.  Other registered SDG Action Weekend attendees may also be able to attend SDG Digital sessions.

Note, however, that SDG Digital registration alone will not give you access to UN Headquarters, even for the SDG Digital event. After receiving confirmation of your SDG Digital registration, you must obtain your SDG Action Weekend Special Event Ticket (SET) through a separate UN registration process.  

Please note that this information is valid as of 15 September 2023. We kindly ask you to regularly check this section as the information provided might change. 

Where can I find the programme for SDG Digital on 17 September? 

The event programme is available on the SDG Digital website soon. Please check the website regularly for updates.  

What is the dress code ?

The dress code for the SDG Digital reception and events is business casual.

How do I get to the event? 

SDG Digital takes place at UN Headquarters in New York. To enter, every attendee will require a Special Event Ticket (SET) issued by the UN Department of Safety and Security for SDG Action Weekend. Along with your SET, you must show a government-issued photo ID document to enter the premises. (Note: Both documents must show the exact same first name and surname). 

For directions to UN Headquarters, follow this map. 

Unless prior arrangements are made with UN Security (Special Services Unit), all participants will enter the UN Headquarters compound through the 46th Street entrance.   

What are the security restrictions related to this event? 

You must have a confirmation of registration and a Special Event Ticket (SET) for SDG Action Weekend. You can collect your SET on 16 and 17 September near the UN Headquarters visitors’ entrance at First Avenue and 46th Street. Unless prior arrangements are made with UN Security (Special Services Unit), all participants should enter the UN Headquarters compound through the First Avenue and 46th Street entrance.
You must also bring an official national identification document issued by your government as proof of your identity. The name on your ID document and confirmation of registration must match.
Please plan your arrival and allow yourself ample time to reach the SDG Digital venue. Be prepared for security checks at the entrance and within the UN complex. Access to the UN compound is ultimately at the discretion of UN security personnel and is not the responsibility of SDG Digital organizers.
Screening procedures will vary depending on which type of pass each participant (or VIP) holds.

Please note that this information is valid as of 15 September 2023. We kindly ask you to regularly check this section as the information provided might change. 

Which drop-off points are available for participants arriving by car? 

Only authorized vehicles will be allowed into the UN premises on 16, 17 and 18 September., based on prior arrangements discussed with UN security personnel and authorized in advance. For any authorization requests for VIP drop-off vehicles, kindly contact UN Security (Special Services Unit).  

(Capt. Eric Bramwell, OIC, or Lt. Geir Krokan, Supervisor, deal with VIP protection, VIP vehicles and motorcades, and authorizations for VIP security to accompany visiting VIPs into the UN premises.) 

Vehicles without special VIP drop-off authorization can drop off SDG Digital participants on First Avenue to enter the venue on foot. Screening procedures will vary depending on which type of pass each participant or VIP holds. 

Unless prior arrangements are made with UN Security (Special Services Unit), all participants will enter the UN Headquarters compound through the First Avenue and 46th Street entrance.   

Please note that this information is valid as of 15 September. We kindly ask you to regularly check this section as the information provided might change. 

Do I need to bring an official invitation with me?  

Please bring confirmation of your registration with you, along with your government-issued ID, to collect your SDG Action Weekend Special Event Ticket (SET) on 16 and 17 September near the UN Headquarters visitor’s entrance on First Avenue (further details to follow).  

Can I request assistance with obtaining a US entry visa? 

All SDG Digital participants must arrange their own entry visa or advance travel authorization if needed to enter the United States.  

Will there be any assistance with arranging hotels, local transportation, or other services?

SDG Digital participants will be responsible for making their own accommodation and transport arrangements.  

Are fellowships offered to support participation in the SDG Digital event? 

All participants will bear their own costs associated with participation in this event.  

Can I share my SDG Digital invitation with anyone else?  

If you share your invitation with others, their registration cannot proceed unless sufficient places are available. Due to space limitations, we cannot guarantee registration for all who request it, even with an invitation.  

Anyone accepted for SDG Digital event registration will be subject to credential and security checks.  

My organization is interested in attending. Where can I get more information? 

Please write to the event team (SDGdigital@itu.int) for more information.  

How many representatives per organization can attend SDG Digital? 

While there is no specified limit on the number of attendees per organization, we ask you to consider who would best represent your organization at SDG Digital and submit your registration requests accordingly. 

Due to space limitations, we cannot guarantee that all registration requests will be confirmed. As such, please submit your registration requests as soon as possible. 

Where can I pick-up my ticket to access SDG Digital?  

You can pick up your special event ticket (SET) for SDG Action Weekend on 16 and 17 September (or possibly earlier) near the UN Headquarters visitors’ entrance on First Avenue (further details to follow).  

Please note that this information is valid as of 15 September 2023. We kindly ask you to regularly check this section as the information provided might change. 

Will I need to show a valid ID to pick up my ticket? 

Yes, you will have to show an official national identification document issued by your government as proof of identity. We recommend that you bring your passport with you, both for ticket collection and for UN security checks. Please note that the names on your government-issued ID and your registration confirmation must match exactly. 

Is SDG Digital open for media participation? 

Yes. Journalists possessing a valid UNHQ media badge for UNGA78 do not need additional accreditation. Journalists requiring additional information can contact the ITU press office at pressinfo@itu.int. 

What are the key objectives for SDG Digital? 

By bringing together partners and stakeholders from the United Nations and beyond, SDG Digital aims to: 

  • Demonstrate how data and digital technologies can be leveraged to accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and related targets.  
  • Showcase proven digital solutions and country success stories. 
  • Mobilize new commitments to expand universal, meaningful global connectivity through the Partner2Connect (P2C) initiative. 
  • Catalyse transformative action through the UN High Impact Initiative on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). 
  • Engage youth as both solution providers and solution partners. 
  • Introduce the SDG Digital GameChangers Award (16 September). 

Learn more about SDG Digital.