UNA-USA Global Engagement Summit 2026

GES 2026 is the largest annual gathering of UN supporters in the United States. The UN ready to meet the moment bringing together advocates, policymakers, UN leaders and emerging changemakers to explore one essential question:

How do we build a stronger, more effective UN?

This isn’t another conference. It’s your opportunity to step into the room where global action begins and connect with the people working every day to shape the future of international cooperation.

This full day summit will be split into two separate sessions:

The GES morning session will be held from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Hilton Midtown Hotel.

New York Hilton Midtown Hotel
1335 Avenue of the Americas (6th Ave. at 53rd St.),
New York, NY 10019
Phone: +1 (212) 586-7000

The GES afternoon session will be held from 3:00 pm – 5:45 pm at the General Assembly Hall located within United Nations Headquarters. Attendees will be able to queue in line for security at the visitor’s entrance/gate located at the corner of 46th Avenue and 1st Avenue.

Please note that attendees must go through security at the UN before entering the building. We encourage attendees to arrive in the queue no later than 2:30pm EST.

SCHEDULE

MORNING SESSION
Hilton Midtown Hotel

7:00 am – 9:30 am Registration/Check In

9:30 am – 10:30 am Opening Plenary

10:30 am – 10:40 am Break

10:40 am – 11:30 am Breakout Sessions

Flash Talks: UN Agencies, Programs & Funds:

This high-energy, flash talk-style session is designed to pull back the curtain on the UN entities that drive global progress. Moving beyond the acronyms, this session features back-to-back 10-minute “power briefings” from representatives of specialized UN agencies, programs, and funds.

Career Connex Session:

This session of the year-long series will provide attendees with a greater understanding of the different opportunities to be a part of the UN system, whether as a consultant, intern, or full-time employee. Hear from current UN representatives and garner skills to put your best foot forward!

UNA-USA Blueprint to Think Global, Act Local:

This session showcases proven models that UNA-USA chapters and members have partnered with UN agencies and initiatives to drive measurable impact within their communities.

11:30 am – 11:40 am Break

11:40 am – 12:30 pm Breakout Sessions

Flash Talks: UN Agencies, Programs & Funds:

US + UN = Partnership for Today & Tomorrow:

Go behind the headlines to discover how American leadership—from the halls of Congress to the frontlines of UN agencies—is shaping the next century of global stability. This session reveals the ‘inner workings’ of how our national budget powers life-saving UN missions and why holding key American leadership seats is our greatest tool for spreading U.S. values worldwide.

UNA-USA Blueprint to Think Global, Act Local:

This session showcases proven models that UNA-USA chapters and members have partnered with UN agencies and initiatives to drive measurable.

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN AND DOORS OPEN FOR UN HEADQUARTERS SECURITY LINE AT 2:00 PM

AFTERNOON SESSION
UN General Assembly Hall

3:00 pm – 3:40 pm Opening Plenary

3:40 pm – 3:45 pm Field Visit Video / Break

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm The US and the UN Partnership

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Leveraging the American Decade of Sports for Global Diplomacy

4:30 pm – 4:45 pm UN80: From Reform Design to Real-World Impact

4:45 pm – 4:50 pm Field Visit Video / Break

4:50 pm – 5:20 pm Multilateral Governance of New Technologies

5:20 pm – 5:25 pm Field Visit Video / Break

5:25 pm – 5:45 pm Closing Plenary

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm UNA-USA Affinity Group Happy Hour

PLAN YOUR EXPERIENCE

UNA-USA is thrilled to host all of you at in New York City, especially with the opportunity see all of you at the UN General Assembly Hall igniting those conversations that spark new ideas for the future. By registering for Global Engagement Summit 2026 you will officially become a UNA-USA member and receive access to benefits including unique career development opportunities, real-world advocacy experience, and opportunities to serve as a UNA-USA delegate at high-level UN events. Not to mention discounts on tours of the UN Headquarters in NYC!

HOTEL OPTIONS

Due to a shortened timeline around planning and implementation for GES2026, there are no assigned hotel room blocks at the New York Hilton Midtown. There are other hotel options near-by including Pod Hotels such as Pod 39 and Pod 51. Both of these Pod locations are well located in relation to the UN Headquarters and the Hilton Midtown.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Should you spend the weekend visiting New York City and enjoying its many adventure possibilities, here is a list of things to do and see all within the midtown Manhattan area: