Organizers planning to present side events during the 2021 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) can now submit applications. Selection criteria are provided in a set of guidelines from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

The deadline for submitting applications is 31 May 2021. All side events will be virtual, and will be scheduled to not run parallel to the official sessions of the HLPF programme. Official interpretation services are not available for side events, the guidelines note.

At least 17 time slots are dedicated to side events organized by Major Groups and Other Stakeholders.

According to the guidelines issued by DESA, side events can be sponsored by UN Member States, the UN system and other Intergovernmental Organizations, and accredited Major Groups and other Stakeholders – for which at least 17 slots are confirmed.

Priority will be given for events that highlight linkages among SDGs, links between the SDGs and the theme of the 2021 HLPF (‘Sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development: building an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development’), and/or the voluntary national reviews (VNRs).

The criteria also indicate that panels held during side events should have a balanced composition in terms of geography and gender, and represent a mix of countries and other actors (civil society, scientists, academia). Side events must be open for viewing by all participants.

DESA will contact organizers about the status of proposed side events by mid-June 2021. Approved side events will be listed as part of the 2021 HLPF programme.

The 2021 HLPF will convene from 6-15 July under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). [Application form for 2021 HLPF side events] [Side event guidelines] [HLPF 2021 website]