The United Nations Civil Society Conference is almost here! Outside of New York, Salt Lake City is the first U.S. city to host this worldwide event and we couldn’t be more excited. Special thanks to committee chair Tom Love’s agency Love Communications for this feature — read on to find out how you can join in and get involved! 

Salt Lake City is proud to host the 68th annual United Nations Civil Society Conference. This year’s theme is “Building Inclusive and Sustainable Cities & Communities.” The annual conference will attract between 3,000-5,000 representatives from over 200 non-governmental organizations representing more than 138 countries. The 2019 Conference in Salt Lake City will be the first time the event is held in the United States outside of New York.

The United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a blueprint for action, advocacy and partnership, and a compass to ensure that no one is left behind, including those who are underprivileged and vulnerable.

Reflecting Salt Lake City’s leadership and demonstrated commitment on sustainability issues, the upcoming conference will focus on SDG 11, “to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by 2030.”

The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to transform our world:

GET INVOLVED! VOLUNTEER, VISIT EXHIBITS, JOIN THE ACTIVITIES

The conference is coming right up! Join the party by volunteering or taking part in the host of activities around the Salt Lake City downtown area that will be part of the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers are still needed for the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference. The goal for the volunteers is to create a welcoming atmosphere for attendees while providing accurate information and useful resources to leave a lasting impression of Utah’s hospitality.

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the entire conference and range from greeters at the airport, community ambassadors stationed around the city near the Salt Palace Convention Center and information specialists within the center and the Hall of Friendship. Volunteers will be asked to fulfill a minimum of two four-hour shifts, and one two-hour training day. For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, visit slc.gov/mayor/un-conference

EXHIBITS

More than 100 exhibitors will be part of the Conference, most of which will be located at the Salt Lake Palace Convention Center (Brown Zone) Access: North side of the Convention Center (East of the Radisson Hotel).

Exhibits Open to the Public: Monday 11:30 am – 6:00 pm; Tuesday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Wednesday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Number of Exhibitors 110+ (This represents United Nation, Civil Society, Academic, and Private sector organizations.)

Among the organizations presenting: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; doTERRA: Healing Hands Foundation; Utah Valley University: Global Engagement; Bird Rides Inc.; Salt Lake City International Airport.

YOUTH FESTIVAL

The youth host team has put together a number of community service and engagement activities on Saturday, Aug. 24, just before the Conference. This day of community-based action will coincide with similar initiatives around the world to demonstrate gratitude and support for the Conference while promoting the themes of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts are made with the intent of promoting the importance of acting local in order to spur global change.

Several activities are scheduled at the International Peace Gardens, including a commemorative tree planting with Tree Utah, an all-levels yoga class under the Pavilion, an exploration and trash clean-up in the gardens, and a Jordan River clean-up with canoes provided by the Jordan River Commissions. In the afternoon, a conversation on the Sustainable Development Goals with a DGC representative and a local middle school that has implemented the SDGs into their curriculum will be held at the SLC Public Library. The day will end at the Jordan River where we will learn about the local habitat and birds with an ornithologist from the Tracy Aviary. For more information on the youth festival and activities, visit bit.ly/UNCSCACTIVITIES

MCCARTHEY PLAZA PROGRAMMING: LIVING TRADITIONS PRESENTS

Tuesday, August 27 | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | 131 Main Street Salt Lake City, Utah | FREE ADMISSION

Save the date for an evening of music and dance featuring seven of Utah’s most dynamic cultural performing groups. This special Living Traditions Presents event occurs during the 68th Annual United Nations Civic Society Conference in Salt Lake City. The evening’s musical lineup includes the following artists and performing groups: Ballet Folklorico de las Americas, Divya School of Dance, Flamenco del Lago, Kenshin Taiko Drummers, Malialole Music and Dance, Mariachi Alma Ranchero De Utah, and Samba Fogo. For more information visit livingtraditionsfestival.com or facebook.com/events/491983451535928

WEBCASTING LIVE: View the live stream at webtv.un.org or www.un.org/csc2019

Here’s the schedule: