Attending an event: practical information for delegates

Delegates attending a specific meeting at UNON must pre-register online using the conference registration link provided by the event organizers. Register online as early as you can, as approval usually takes a few days.

• Online registration is done through the meeting platform communicated by the organizer.
• Registration typically requires an official letter (note verbale) identifying the head of delegation and all delegation members, together with a recent passport-style photograph of each delegation member and a copy of the biographical page of their passport.
• Unfortunately, delegates who have not registered will not be able to enter the UNON campus.

Getting to UNON

UNON is located on the north-western outskirts of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, in a suburb called Gigiri. The journey from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to UNON can take between 45 minutes to 90 minutes by car, depending on the traffic.

Gigiri is a lively business, residential and shopping district with plenty to offer in terms of restaurants, shops, services and entertainment.

For convenience and safety reasons, it is recommended that delegates travel to UNON and around Nairobi using a hotel shuttle bus, a recommended taxi or a trusted ride hailing app.

Private cars cannot enter the UNON campus without an official access decal, and visitor parking is very limited. The best option for visitors is to be dropped off at the UNON pedestrian gate on United Nations Avenue and continue on foot into the campus.

Entering the secure UNON campus

Please bring your passport or Government-issued ID to enable access to the campus and arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes ahead of your meeting time to clear security.

The main entrance for pedestrians is located on United Nations Avenue in Gigiri. UNON is a secure facility and participants and their belongings will be screened at the entrance. Visitors are not permitted to carry weapons, ammunition, flammable items or sharp objects into or on the campus.

To help reduce delays at security screening, participants are encouraged to carry only essential items and avoid bringing unnecessary luggage or additional bags with them. Please note that there are no luggage storage facilities on campus.

Collecting your UNON conference badge

Once your registration has been approved, you will receive an email confirmation, often with a QR code, which will enable you to finalize your registration and collect your participant badge at UNON. Please remember that your passport or Government-issued ID will be required to collect the badge and access the campus.

UNON participant badges are only issued to approved, in-person participants and they must be worn visibly at all times while on campus.

 

Facilities at UNON

UNON is a safe, welcoming and walkable campus set in 140 acres of landscaped grounds. Between sessions, delegates can take a walk in the gardens, enjoy Nairobi’s temperate climate and stop for coffee, lunch or a break. Restaurants, coffee shops, banks and ATMs are available on site for delegates to use.

The green spaces and peaceful surroundings make it easy to step away from a busy conference programme, meet colleagues informally or simply enjoy some fresh air between sessions.

Medical services

The on-site Joint Medical Service provides emergency and first-aid assistance to delegates during meetings, with access to an on-call ambulance service during designated sessions.

Please note that general United Nations medical insurance does not cover participants for illnesses or injuries that are unrelated to their attendance at United Nations events; delegates are strongly advised to ensure they have their own adequate travel and/or health insurance before arriving in Kenya.

A planet-friendly United Nations headquarter duty station

UNON is proud of its environmentally sustainable campus. We are the first and only United Nations headquarter duty station to attain ISO 14001:2015 environmental certification, the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems.

UNON is also single-use plastic-free. Delegates are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles for easy refilling at the water dispensers that are available across the campus.

How to contact us

Participating in an event?

For questions about registration or participation, please contact your meeting organizers directly.

Organizing an event?

UNON DCS helps you in planning, managing and servicing meetings, conferences and other events in Nairobi and worldwide. If you have questions or would like more information about our meeting services, please get in touch. We are always happy to help.