Act for Early Years Symposium

A Symposium organised by UNICEF, ECDAN, Sesame Workshop, Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education and Theirworld during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly 

Date: Wednesday September 25, 2024 

Time: 9:00 AM -1:00 PM 

Location: 599 Lexington Avenue. New York, NY 

Event Overview 

In conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly and Summit of the Future, the Act for Early Years Symposium aims to create a platform to address critical areas for the early years, including building a global movement, increasing investment in early childhood and specifically focus on emergencies and conflict situations.  

Recognizing the importance of young people’s voices and advocacy, especially during the Summit of the Future, the Symposium will be convened by the Theirworld Global Youth Ambassadors, alongside other youth activists. 

Security, Registration & Check-in  

During UNGA 2024 Week, Theirworld and the Global Business Coalition for Education will host several high-level security events. Attendees of all events must review and follow these instructions to prevent issues or delays on the day of the event.  

Only pre-registered and accredited guests will be allowed to enter the venue without any exceptions.  

All team and delegation members, including support staff, security personnel, translators, photographers, assistants, etc., must be pre-registered at least seven days before the event date. For certain events with limited capacity, pre-registered support staff will be directed to a secondary staff room to wait for their principals.  

Venue Access & Waiting Area 

Guests should enter 599 Lexington Ave. from the corner of E 53^rd Street and Lexington Ave. and proceed to the check-in desk with a valid ID to receive their accreditation badges and information packages. Only accredited guests can proceed through the turnstiles and will be directed to the elevators and appropriate event rooms.  

Due to strict security protocols, those without pre-registrations will be asked to leave the building lobby, but they can wait for their principals and teams at the restaurants and seating areas at “The Hugh” across the street on E 53^rd Street. 

Accreditation Pick-up & Check-in Times 

All attendees are encouraged to pick up their event accreditation badges in advance or to arrive at least 30 minutes before their event’s start time to complete the check-in process.

Accreditation badges can be picked up at 599 Lexington Avenue at the below times with photo ID:  

• Sunday, 22 September – 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM – All Events 

• Monday, 23 September – 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM – For Monday Events Only 

• Tuesday, 24 September – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM – All Events 

• Wednesday, 24 September – 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – All Events 

Advance Security Visits 

Security teams that would like to conduct advance visits can contact Hazar Yildirim at [email protected] and Anna Shakarova at [email protected] to schedule a time. 

Can’t make it? Please let us know!  

If for any reason you will not be able to attend the event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can accommodate others on the waitlist for the event.  

Event Contacts  

Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions.  

Press, Media, and Social Media  

Media access, including staff photographers, is granted by prior accreditation only. All press and media inquiries or questions regarding registration should be forwarded to [email protected]. 

The event is open to the press and media. Photographs and videos will be taken for use on social media. We encourage the use of hashtag #ActForEarlyYears and you can also tag cohosts including @Theirworld @UNICEF @sesameworkshop @ECDAction @BrookingsInst on Twitter.  

Agenda