The International Studies Association is a United Nations ECOSOC-accredited NGO with roster consultative status, and is also associated with the UN/DPI. Any ISA member in good standing may request (a) a temporary grounds pass for a specified range of dates, which allows access to the UN grounds in New York, Geneva, or Vienna (subject to certain limitations); or (b) registration to attend a variety of ECOSOC-sponsored and DPI conferences and summits. These privileges must be used for purposes that are in accordance with the ISA constitution, namely “expanding, disseminating, and applying knowledge of interrelations among nations and peoples.” Our roster status means that ISA members may attend ECOSOC-sponsored meetings, but cannot speak or circulate statements at those meetings.
Upcoming Events
| Conference | Date | Location | Registration Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women | February 22 - March 4, 2011 | United Nations, New York | Pre-Reg ended; See UN-NGO Rep for details | Theme: Access and participation of women and girls to education, training, science and technology; For more information, see CSW 55 |
To Request a Temporary and/or Event Pass
Because of increased attention to security, members who wish such facilitation need to meet strict UN deadlines.
Please note that the ISA does not currently have consultative status at many major non-ECOSOC conferences (for example the series on climate change). If you wish to attend one of these non-ECOSOC conferences where the ISA has not previously sent a representative, the ISA must first apply to become accredited to participate in that conference. This is an arduous process requiring much document gathering and communication by ISA Headquarters, and often must be started a year in advance of the next conference. Advance planning on your part, as well as demonstrating your seriousness of purpose in making the request, is therefore vital. Please note that the ISA cannot provide any funds or travel support for such visits. All travel and participation is at the member’s own expense.
ISA UN-NGO Representative Kimberly Marten is happy to facilitate requests for temporary passes and conference pre-registration for ISA members, as well as to work with those who have serious need to attend conference series where the ISA is not yet accredited.
Applicants should first consult the UN NGO website for relevant information about procedures and rules, as well as the calendar specifying pre-registration deadlines for appropriate conferences.
Then please send your request by email to clynch@uci.edu with the subject line, “UN Temporary Grounds Pass [or Conference Pre-Registration] Request.” Please include all of your contact information, specifying the location and date-range for the temporary grounds pass, or the pre-registration deadline for the specific conference you wish to attend. Please also include a paragraph which details your need and purpose for the pass (for example, by briefly summarizing your research project and dissemination plans), and please attach your CV (or an equivalent biographical statement).
Resources
- UN-NGO website
- Request a Temporary and/or Event Pass
- UN-ISA Relations
- UN-NGO Representative
- Applying For Consultative Status (for first time applicants)
- Apply for a Grounds Pass
- Registering for Conferences
(Each conference has an information page that includes who is invited and who is attending. There is also information on how to register online and for those without online registration, an external link is provided.)
