About Unstoppable Africa

Q: What is the UN Global Compact?
A: As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact works with companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact guides and supports the global business community in advancing UN goals and values through responsible corporate practices. With more than 20,000 participant organizations based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Local Networks, it is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world. At the UN Global Compact, we aim to mobilize a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders to create the world we want. That’s our vision. For more information about the United Nations Global Compact please visit our website.

Q: What is GABI? 
A: Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), an initiative of the African Union and the United Nations and hosted by the United Nations Global Compact, is the premier private-sector led global platform that galvanizes African and global private and public sector leaders to amplify and accelerate Africa’s unstoppable business, trade and investment opportunities, for Africa and the world. GABI is an initiative of the African Union and the United Nations and hosted by the United Nations Global Compact, is a platform dedicated to advancing sustainable economic growth and investment across Africa by bringing together leaders from business, government, the United Nations, and civil society.

Q: What is Unstoppable Africa? 
A: Unstoppable Africa is the flagship event of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, providing a premier global stage to showcase Africa's leadership, innovation, and influence in shaping the future of the global economy.

Q: When and where is Unstoppable Africa 2026?
A: This year's Unstoppable Africa takes place on Sunday, 20 September through Monday, 21 September at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.

Q: Is there any fee to attend Unstoppable Africa?
A: Attendance to this event is complimentary

Q: Who attends?
A: Unstoppable Africa brings together a global audience of over 3,000 participants—including Heads of State, CEOs, UN leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and journalists —to accelerate action, forge strategic alliances, and unlock new pathways for inclusive development across trade, energy, digital innovation, the creative industries and sports.

Q: What is the official language of Unstoppable Africa?
A: Most sessions will be conducted in English and translations will be available for English and French. 

Q: Will the event be livestreamed?
A: This year's Unstoppable Africa will be livestreamed and available to view via Unstoppable Africa’s YouTube channel.

Registration Questions

Q: Do all attendees need to register in advance for Unstoppable Africa?
A: Yes, all attendees must register for the event. Please be advised that emails and/or letters to the UN Global Compact or GABI cannot be processed and will not be considered a substitute for online registration.

Q: What is included in my registration?
A: When you register for the Unstoppable Africa, you’ll get access to plenaries, deep dive sessions, refreshment breaks, lunches, and networking experiences.

Q: How do I know if my registration is confirmed?
A: Registrants will receive an automatic confirmation email once registration is finalized.

Q: Do I need to register for specific sessions?
A: Most sessions do not require pre-registration, however, there are a few deep dives sessions that may require pre-registration or are closed sessions. Seating for the plenaries will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Travel 

Q: Am I responsible for my own accommodations?
A: Yes, all attendees must secure their own travel and accommodations. 

Q: Can the UN Global Compact or GABI assist with the cost of my trip to New York?
A: The UN Global Compact or GABI is unable to assist with any costs associated with travel or accommodations.

Q: Can the UN Global Compact or GABI help me secure a visa?
A: For attendees who require a visa to attend Unstoppable Africa, the UN Global Compact/GABI will provide a letter of support upon registering for the event. Please note that the responsibility for securing the appropriate visa lies with the attendee. Please indicate that you require a letter of support to travel to the United States during the registration process. Following the completion of registration, a link will be made available to retrieve your letter of support, which can then be submitted along with other documentation when applying for a visa.

Q: What hotels do you suggest?
A: Please visit our Accommodations page for a full list of hotels in the area andTips on Planning Your Travel.

Speaking Opportunities 

Q: I would like to speak at Unstoppable Africa. Who do I contact?
A: At this time, we are not taking speaking submissions for Unstoppable Africa.

Q: How do I nominate a speaker?
A: At this time, we are not accepting speaker nominations.

Policies

Q: What is the code of conduct at Unstoppable Africa?
A: Please review and become familiar with our Code of Conduct. 

Q: What is the dress policy?
A: The dress code for the Unstoppable Africa is business casual and traditional. Please wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Conference rooms tend to be on the cooler side so we suggest bringing a sweater or jacket.

Q: What is the Crowd and Consent release form?
A:

CROWD RELEASE AND CONSENT FORM

UN GLOBAL COMPACT EVENTS

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE ENTERING THE EVENT PREMISES

By entering a UN Global Compact event (the "Event"), you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:
 

1. NOTICE OF RECORDING

You are entering an area where photography, audio recording, and video recording (collectively, "Recording") may occur. Such Recording may capture your likeness, voice, and actions while at the Event.
 

2. CONSENT AND GRANT OF RIGHTS

2.1 Your entry and presence at the Event constitute your consent to:
a) Be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded; and
b) The release, publication, exhibition, reproduction, licensing, and use of any Recording of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with the UN Global Compact and its initiatives.

2.2 You grant the UN Global Compact, its affiliates, licensees, assigns, and sublicensees the following rights:
a) The right to use, reproduce, distribute, exhibit, display, perform, edit, create derivatives of, and otherwise exploit any Recording in any medium now known or hereafter devised, including, but not limited to, websites, social media platforms, news outlets, and advertising materials;
b) The right to combine the Recording with other materials; and
c) The right to sublicense any or all such rights to third parties.

2.3 Specific examples of intended uses include, but are not limited to:
a) Promotional materials for future UN Global Compact events;
b) Educational content related to UN Global Compact initiatives;
c) Social media posts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn;
d) Press releases and news articles about the Event and its outcomes; and
e) Annual reports and other organizational documents.
 

3. WAIVER AND RELEASE

3.1 By entering the Event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of Recording of you at the Event, including, without limitation:
a) Any right to inspect or approve the Recording or its use;
b) Any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement;
c) Any claims for compensation related to the use of such Recording; and
d) Any moral rights you may have in the Recording.

3.2 This waiver and release is made in accordance with New York Civil Rights Law §§ 50-51, which prohibit the use of a person's name, portrait, picture, or voice for advertising or trade purposes without their written consent. By entering the Event, you are providing such consent as required by these statutes.

3.3 You acknowledge that this waiver and release is limited to claims that are directly related to the use of the Recording as described in this document and does not extend to any claims arising from negligence or willful misconduct by the UN Global Compact or its representatives.
 

4. RELIANCE ON CONSENT

You understand and agree that all Recording will be done in reliance on the consent and release provided herein.
 

5. INTERNATIONAL USE AND DATA PROTECTION

5.1 You acknowledge that Recordings may be used internationally and consent to the transfer and use of such Recordings outside of the United States, subject to applicable laws.

5.2 With respect to data protection and privacy:
a) The UN Global Compact will process any personal data collected through the Recordings in accordance with its Privacy Policy, available at https://unglobalcompact.org/privacy-policy
b) For individuals subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or other applicable data protection laws, you acknowledge that your consent to the Recording and its use as described herein constitutes a valid legal basis for processing your personal data.
c) You have the right to request access to, rectification of, or erasure of your personal data, subject to certain limitations as provided by applicable law.
 

6. MINORS

6.1 If you are under 18 years of age, you may not enter the Event premises unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

6.2 By allowing a minor under your care to enter the Event premises, you, as the parent or legal guardian:
a) Represent that you have read, understood, and agree to this release on behalf of the minor;
b) Warrant that you have the legal authority to provide such consent; and
c) Agree to indemnify and hold harmless the UN Global Compact from any claims arising from the minor's participation in the Event or the use of Recordings featuring the minor.
 

7. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this release is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and such provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal, and enforceable.

8. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

8.1 This release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

8.2 Any dispute arising out of or relating to this release or the Recording shall be resolved as follows:
a) The parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiations.
b) If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiations within 30 days, it shall be submitted to mediation under the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association.
c) If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration in New York City, New York, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.
 

9. OPT-OUT PROVISION

9.1 If you do not agree to this release, please do not enter the Event premises. If you have concerns or questions, please contact events@unglobalcompact.org before entering.

9.2 If you have entered the Event premises and subsequently wish to opt-out:
a) Immediately notify an Event staff member of your desire to opt-out;
b) You acknowledge that any Recordings made prior to your opt-out may still be used as described in this release.

SUMMARY: By entering the Event, you consent to be recorded and grant the UN Global Compact extensive rights to use such recordings for various purposes. You waive certain related claims, subject to limitations. If you disagree with these terms, do not enter the Event premises or follow the opt-out procedure if already inside. This release complies with New York law and addresses international data protection concerns.