Joining Instructions & Logistical Information
Dear Participant,
Thank you for your interest and commitment to participate in the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions, taking place on 28–29 May 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, USA.
This information sheet has been prepared to support your participation and provide important logistical guidance regarding venue access, programme arrangements, and related events. We kindly ask all participants to read this document carefully.
- Event volunteers will take photos during the symposium. Kindly write to symposium@icba.coop if you do not wish to be photographed.
- Due to unavoidable circumstances, interpretation will be organized through remote means. You are kindly required to bring your laptop/hand-held device along with headset/earphone to compliment the interpreting system.
- Please carry your passport to the venue for identification/verification purposes.
Please note that the information below is subject to change. The co-organizers reserve the right to amend any part of the programme or related information for reasonable causes or circumstances beyond the control of the ICA and the ICBA.
Important Dates & Schedule Overview
| Date | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 27 May 2026 | Delegates’ Reception |
Time: 18h30–20h30 EDT
Pre-registered participants only. Two-day Entry passes for the Symposium will be distributed during the reception. Venue: Bukhara Grill by Raja Jhanjee 120 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016 |
| 28 May 2026 | Opening & Thematic Panels |
Time: 10h00–18h00 EDT
Arrive at 08h45; Collect your passes in time if you cannot make it for the reception. Venue: Conference Room 12, United Nations Headquarters 405 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017 |
| 29 May 2026 | Thematic Panels & Closing |
Time: 10h00–13h00 EDT
Keep your passes safe for day 2. UN Building Guided Tour Time: 14h00–15h30 EDT Pre-registered participants only |
The ICA Event Code of Conduct will apply during the course of the Symposium.
Code of Conduct: https://ica.coop/en/media/library/ica-events-code-conduct
United Nations Building Access
Access to the UN Headquarters is subject to UN security clearance and pre-registration requirements. Participants who have not completed registration may experience delays or may not be granted access.
The entry to the UN Building will likely be through the 46th Street Visitors Entrance. Any changes will be duly communicated to you, latest by the end of 26 May 2026.
All participants are required to carry:
- A valid passport (preferred); or
- Government-issued photo identification
ICA-ICBA volunteers will assist participants with badge collection during the Delegates’ Reception from 18h30-20h30 on 27 May, and between 08h45-09h30 on 28 May.
The name on your identification document must exactly match the name provided during registration.
Please also note:
- UN security procedures include airport-style screening.
- Participants should allow additional time for security checks.
- Please bring your laptops or/and hand-held devices with adequate charge.
- Large luggage and restricted items should not be brought to the venue.
Delegates’ Evening Reception
27 May 2026 | 18h30–20h30 EDT
Venue: Bukhara Grill, 120 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016, United States New York City
[Approximately 10 minutes by car and 15 minute by foot from the UN Headquarters]
Symposium Format
The Symposium will feature: Opening and closing keynote addresses, Special addresses, and Thematic roundtables with Moderated discussions.
Roundtables will generally follow the format of: Short special addresses. Moderated discussions among panelists (7 mins per speaker distributed in 2 + 2 + 3 mins). Questions and interventions from the floor.
Panelists are kindly requested to note the following:
- PowerPoint presentations will generally not be required.
- Discussions are intended to be interactive and conversational.
- Session briefing notes and moderator questions have been shared separately.
- Speakers are encouraged to keep interventions concise and focused.
Programme
Highlights can be viewed here:
https://icba.coop/symposium2026/#section1
Detailed Programme here:
https://icba.coop/symposium2026/programme.html
Interpretation
Assisted interpretation in the following languages will be available:
English / Spanish / Portuguese
For reasons beyond the control of the organizers, assisted interpretation will be delivered through Zoom. Therefore we seek your kind cooperation in ensuring the system works seamlessly.
All participants To ensure the service is seamless for all, kindly:
- Bring your laptops or/and Mobile devices.
- Be prepared to use UN Free Wifi.
- Download Zoom on your laptops or/and handheld devices.
- Ensure your devices have adequate charge.
- Bring your chargers and adapters compatible with USA charging points.
- Bring your own earplugs or earphones.
- Please have patience with organizers if technical issues arise.
Meals & Refreshments
- Coffee and tea breaks will be provided.
- Lunch on day 1 will be served at the West-side Terrace on the 4th Floor.
- Lunch on day 2 will be provided as sandwich and salad bag lunch.
- Dinner will be provided to pre-registered participants only on 27 May.
Dress Code
Business or business formal attire is recommended throughout the Symposium and related activities.
