The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour provides accessibility for visitors with mobility difficulties and other accessibility needs, including accessible routes to the meeting and event spaces. Accessible facilities are available within the venue, and assistance can be arranged where required. Participants with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to advise in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be confirmed with the venue.

Participants are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements and may book accommodation of their choice.

The venue is located in the Darling Harbour precinct, with a range of accommodation options available nearby, including hotels and serviced apartments. A number of options are within walking distance of the venue, with further options accessible by public transport.

Participants are encouraged to consider accommodation in the Darling Harbour/Central Sydney vicinity to facilitate convenient travel to and from the venue.

Preliminary agenda - Eighth global dialogue and investment-focused event under the Sharm el-Sheikh mitigation ambition and implementation work programme

ATMs are available in the Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD precincts, with a range of banking facilities located within a short distance of the venue. Participants are encouraged to check with their bank regarding international transaction fees, card acceptance and currency conversion prior to travelling.

Catering will be provided for the duration of the global dialogue and investment-focused event, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Delegates are responsible for their own breakfast and dinner arrangements. The venue can accommodate a range of dietary requirements, including vegan, gluten free and some halal options. Participants should advise of any other dietary requirements.

A range of catering options are available within the Darling Harbour and surrounding precinct, including restaurants, cafes and casual dining options. The area provides options across a range of price points and cuisines with many venues able to accommodate dietary requirements.

Host City: Sydney, Australia

Sydney is Australia's largest city, known for its harbour, beaches, cultural attractions and diverse dining options.

Climate and Weather

Sydney has a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. Weather conditions can vary throughout the year, and participants are encouraged to check the local forecast before travelling. In late September, average temperatures range from 13°C (nighttime) to 23°C (daytime). Rainfall occurs throughout the year.

Currency

The official currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Banknotes are available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100, with coins ranging from 5 cents to $2.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Sydney, including at hotels, restaurants, shops and public transport services. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost universally, while American Express is accepted at many larger establishments. Contactless payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are commonly used. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.

Electricity Supply

• Australia uses:
• Voltage: 230V
• Frequency: 50Hz
• Plug Type: Type I (three-pin angled plug)

Participants traveling from countries using different plug types should bring a suitable travel adaptor.

Telephone Services

Australia's international country code is +61. Mobile phone coverage is excellent throughout metropolitan Sydney. International roaming is available through most mobile providers, and visitors may also purchase local SIM cards or eSIM services from Australian telecommunications providers.

Internet and Connectivity

Sydney offers reliable, high-speed internet connectivity. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, including Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, as well as at many cafés, restaurants and public venues. 4G and 5G mobile network coverage is available across the city and surrounding metropolitan areas.

Time Zone

Sydney operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10) and observes daylight saving time between October and April (changing over on Sunday 4 October 2026), when the time zone changes to Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT, UTC+11).

Useful Information

• Australia is generally a safe destination for visitors.
• Tap water in Sydney is safe to drink.
• Smoking and vaping restrictions apply in many public places.
• Goods and services purchased in Australia generally include a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• No tip is expected at restaurants.

Disclaimer: Participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive international medical insurance for the duration of their stay.

The United Nations and the UNFCCC secretariat disclaim all responsibility for medical, accident and travel insurance, for compensation for death or disability, for loss of or damage to personal property and for any other costs or losses that may be incurred during travel or the period of participation at the conference including pre-sessional meetings.

In the interests of the security and safety of all participants and the smooth running of the sessions, the UNFCCC secretariat reserves the right to deny and/or restrict access to the conference premises, or to request participants to leave the premises. The UNFCCC secretariat shall not be responsible for any expenses incurred by participants who are requested to leave the premises or refused registration or access to the sessions for which they have been nominated and/or registered as participants.

Non-smoking policy

To promote a healthy environment and to eliminate the risks associated with second-hand smoke inhalation, smoking indoors is strictly prohibited and smoking in the vicinity of buildings is highly discouraged. This includes the use of vapers and electronic cigarettes. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available.

In the event of a medical emergency, participants should dial 000 for ambulance, police or fire services. Medical centres, pharmacies and healthcare services are available throughout Sydney CBD and surrounding areas.

The nearest major hospital is St Vincent's Hospital Sydney in Darlinghurst, which is easily accessible from the CBD by public transport.

There are currently no general vaccination requirements for entry into Australia, although travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission may be subject to specific vaccination requirements. Participants should take normal precautions to safeguard personal belongings when travelling around Sydney. At the venue, participants should follow any health, safety and emergency instructions provided by venue staff.

All registration formalities, including the issuance of badges to duly nominated participants attending the sessions, are free of charge.

Please note that participation in this event requires nomination. Information on the nomination process for Parties, UN/IGOs, and NGOs will be communicated to National Focal Points (NFPs) and designated contact points (DCPs) in due course.

The communications to Parties and Observer Organizations are available on the UNFCCC website.

Message to Parties and observer States - Nomination for participants to Eighth Global Dialogue and Investment-focused Event under the Sharm el-Sheikh Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme

Message to UN and IGOs - Eighth global dialogue and investment-focused event under the Sharm el-Sheikh mitigation ambition and implementation work programme

Message to admitted NGOs - Eighth global dialogue and investment-focused event under the Sharm el-Sheikh mitigation ambition and implementation work programme

Additional information on the eighth global dialogue and investment-focused event is available on the event page.

Nominated delegates will be contacted directly and will receive an email invitation from INDICO.UN to complete the required registration process. The invitation will be sent to the email address provided during the nomination process.

For questions please contact mwp@unfccc.int 

On-site registration:

The event will be held at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, 12 Darling Drive, Sydney.
Participants should enter via the venues main entrance on Darling Drive and proceed to the registration area on level 1, where event signage and staff will provide further directions.
Specific room locations and registration details will be communicated closer to the event.

Participants attending the eighth MWP Global Dialogue and Investment-Focused Event in Sydney, Australia, are responsible for arranging their own travel, unless their participation is funded by the UNFCCC secretariat. Funded participants will be contacted by the secretariat travel team once their registration has been approved.

Sydney Airport is approximately 10km from the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. The venue is accessible from the airport by taxi, rideshare and public transport, including train services to central station and onward connections to the Darling Harbour precinct. More information about transport options to and from Sydney Airport can be found here.

Sydney has an extensive public transport network, including trains, light rail, metro, buses and ferries. The venue is well connected to public transport, with nearby light rail and train stations providing convenient access to the venue and other parts of the city. More information about public transport in Sydney can be found here. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available.

Participants are encouraged to consider public transport where practical when travelling to and from the venue and around Sydney.

The event will be held at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, located at:

12 Darling Drive
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Tel: +61 2 8388 8888

Located in Darling Harbour, the venue is adjacent to the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney and within easy walking distance of Sydney CBD, public transport, restaurants and attractions.

Participants should enter via the venues main entrance on Darling Drive and proceed to the registration area on level 1, where event signage and staff will provide further directions. Specific room locations and registration details will be communicated closer to the event. The venue is accessible by train, light rail, taxi, rideshare and private vehicle. The nearest light rail stop is Convention, and nearby train stations include Town Hall and Central Station.

The venue provides accessible entrances and lift access throughout the facility. Participants requiring accessibility assistance are encouraged to contact the event organisers in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.

The links for virtual participation via MS Teams will be shared shortly before the event with registered virtual participants, using the email addresses provided in their registration forms. Participants not registered for the event can watch the live and on-demand meetings. 

Further details will be communicated in due course.

• All non-Australian participants traveling to Australia to participate in an event must hold a valid visa to enter the country.
• The most appropriate visa option and processing times will depend on the participant’s individual circumstances, including their country of passport, role in the event, intended activities and length of stay in Australia. For most participants, the Visitor (subclass 600) Business Stream visa is expected to be the most suitable visa option.
• We encourage potential participants to complete event nominations, registrations and, where required, visa applications at the earliest opportunity, 6-8 weeks prior to their intended travel date. Early submission of visa applications will assist the Australian Department of Home Affairs to ensure sufficient time for processing.
• Once nominated participants have completed their registration, a letter of invitation and detailed visa guidelines will be sent to the registered participant’s email address in due course.
• Delegates may also wish to carry a copy of their visa grant notification letter, as it contains the relevant visa details that may be required on arrival.

Registered participants will receive additional information upon approval of their registration.

Please contact The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs should you have issues with your visa upon entry to Australia iecn@homeaffairs.gov.au.

Reimbursement of visa fee

• Participants who are not eligible for a nil VAC and are attending eighth global dialogue and investment-focused event in Sydney in September 2026, can contact the UNFCCC Secretariat to have their visa fees reimbursed (mwp@unfccc.int) after they receive the visa. 
• Reimbursement is only available to participants who are ineligible for a nil VAC. Reimbursement will be processed after the event upon submission of required documents.