by Conor Walsh & Mahider Tadesse
The United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa (UNCC-AA) offers state-of-the-art conference rooms and spaces In the heart of Ethiopia’s capital. Located in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) compound, UNCC-AA accommodates various event types across numerous spaces, from small workshops to large conferences.
Each space has the latest technology, dedicated staff, and everything you need for a successful event.
In this quick guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about hosting an event or conference at UNCC-AA.
If you still have questions after reading it, get in touch! Our dedicated Addis events team have years of experience organizing big and small events in the city and can help every step of the way.
Quick Tips About the UNCC-AA
- The United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa (UNCC-AA) is also called the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Conference Centre (UNECA-CC).
- UNCC-AA is situated in the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) compound in the central Kazanchis neighborhood.
- The conference centre has 36 meeting rooms. The largest can accommodate 860+ pax.
- The facility enforces strict security measures to ensure the safety and protection of all participants.
- Numerous international hotel chains, including the Hilton, Hyatt Regency, and Radisson Blu, are nearby.
- Without traffic, UNCC-AA is a 25-minute drive from Bole International Airport, south of Addis Ababa.
Location
The UNCC-AA is located in the vibrant Kazanchis district in the heart of Addis Ababa. It’s close to many of the city’s best international hotels, including the Radisson Blu Hilton Addis, and Hyatt Regency.
There are many fantastic restaurants and cultural attractions, too. So your international attendees can enjoy one of Africa’s most interesting metros and enjoy Ethiopia’s legendary food and dance shows.
Africa Hall
UNCC-AA shares the same premises with the historic Africa Hall, a landmark renowned for hosting important meetings and decisions by African Heads of State, including the adoption of the OAU Charter.
Currently undergoing renovation (as of October 2023), Africa Hall is set to become a top venue and museum in Addis Ababa upon re-opening.
Conference Rooms at UNCC-AA
The UNCC-AA is divided into two wings – the North Wing and the South Wing, which house 36 conference rooms.
The largest of the conference rooms, Conference Room 1 (CR 1), is a plenary room with a theater-style arrangement featuring fixed chairs. This room can comfortably accommodate up to 864 pax.
The Conference Room 2 (CR 2), also a plenary room, features the same amenities and seating arrangements as CR 1, albeit smaller. CR1 can be electronically linked with Conference Room 2 to cater to overflow situations, creating a combined capacity of 1,338 pax.
UNCC-AA provides 17 additional meeting rooms for smaller consultations and breakout sessions for 20-115pax and four training rooms.
The UNCC-AA also boasts a main banquet hall for 500pax seated or 1,000pax in standing cocktail configuration. The ground floor functions as an exhibition area for up to 50 booths. There are 10 offices available to rent.
ROOM NAME | CAPACITY | LANGUAGE INTERPRETATIONS |
Conference Room 1 | 864 | 6 |
Conference Room 2 | 474 | 6 |
Conference Rooms 3-6 | 115 each | 3 |
CAUCUS Rooms (9 rooms) | 20 – 55 each | 2 |
Large Briefing Room (LBR) | 60 | 2 |
Small Briefing Room (SBR) | 44 | 0 |
Ground Floor (Exhibition Area) | 50 booths of 6 sq. m. 38 booths of 9 sq. m. 35 booths of 12 sq. m. | 0 |
Banquet Hall | 500 seated or 1000 for cocktails | 0 |
Offices for Rent (10 rooms) | 0 | |
Training Room 1-2 | 21 seats each | 0 |
Training Room 3-4 | 13 seats each | 0 |
Event Services and On-site Facilities
The UNCC-AA offers a comprehensive range of audio-visual equipment in every event space and room including:
- Wireless microphones
- Video projectors
- Small and large PA systems
- Wireless interpretation systems with 25 microphones
- 15 wall-mounted and portable TV sets
- Time limiters to keep presentations short
You can record audio from your event on a flash drive and capture everything in high def video courtesy of video conferencing and live streaming services. You also have the option for virtual and hybrid events.
An on-site business center provides printing, scanning, computer usage, and more services.
Finally, versatile catering and dining options are available throughout.
Requesting Conference Rooms at UNCC-AA
To book a conference room at UNCC-AA, you submit a formal request through either the electronic meeting scheduling systems, Indico or iEvent (for UN event organizers) or by filling out the booking form (for general event organizers).
We recommend submitting your application at least three days in advance for smaller events. For larger conferences, contact us, and we’ll guide you through the process. Our Ethiopian events team is well-versed in the ins and outs of this exceptional venue. Send us an email to get started.
Entry and Security Protocols
UNCC-AA maintains a secure environment with trained security personnel and modern technologies. Your event participants must be prepared for strict security measures when attending an event or conference at UNCC-AA.
Here are some quick guidelines:
- Always wear conference badges visibly and be prepared to show them to authorized personnel upon request.
- Never leave bags and parcels unattended, as they may be subject to confiscation or disposal.
- Refrain from bringing unauthorized individuals or children into the conference centre.
- In the unfortunate event of loss of valuable items on the premises, promptly inform the Security and Safety Service or the nearest security officer.
These guidelines are put in place to ensure a secure and efficient environment for all participants at UNCC-AA events and conferences.
Accessibility
Although UNCC-AA prides itself on its modern amenities, certain areas may pose challenges in terms of accessibility. Only Conference Room 1 is equipped for disability access.
If you anticipate event participants with reduced mobility, notify the Meetings Management Unit (MMU) office ahead of time.
Hotels Near the UNCC-AA
If your event or conference has international participants, there are a variety of excellent three- to five-star hotels near UNCC-AA they can stay at.
Take a look at:
- Radisson Blu Hotel (350m): Walking distance to UNECA, the distinctive hotel is renowned for its spa, spacious room, and excellent restaurants.
- Marriott Executive Apartments (1km): Expansive suites with fully equipped kitchens and dedicated workspaces, complemented by a rooftop infinity pool and modern fitness center, crafting a harmonious blend of homely comfort and five-star luxury
- Hilton Addis Ababa (1km): A 15-minute walk from UNECA and offers a luxury experience that includes a geothermal pool, the iconic Gazebo restaurant, and lush gardens.
- Sheraton Hotel (2.2km): Boasts panoramic hilltop views, art-infused interiors, meticulously landscaped gardens with enchanting fountains, and unmatched service.
Day Trip Destinations around UNCC-AA
The vast premises and landscaped gardens of the UNCC-AA are not open to the public for tours and leisure walks. There are, however, several destinations that are suitable for day trips close to the UNCC-AA.
Here are a few of the must-see places in the area surrounding UNCC-AA:
- Unity Park: Situated within the Grand Palace grounds, this park offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. For your international delegates, a visit to Unity Park provides an enriching experience of Ethiopia’s history and culture within the vicinity of UNCC-AA.
- Ethiopia Museum of Art and Science: Showcases ancient and modern technological exhibits powered by solar panels, making it a sustainable and informative destination for event delegates interested in technology and innovation.
- Holy Trinity Cathedral (known in Amharic as Kidist Selassie): Ethiopia’s second-most important place of worship, with historical significance as the resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen. The cathedral features impressive murals, including a portrayal of the Holy Trinity by Afewerk Tekle. Visitors can explore a small but intriguing museum of ecclesiastical artifacts on the grounds.
Conclusion
Looking for a conference and event venue in Addis Ababa that offers modern facilities, flexible spaces, and a convenient location? Look no further than the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa.
Whether you are hosting an international conference or a local meeting, UNCC-AA is well-equipped to meet your needs and provide an exceptional experience for all participants. Need help planning? Get in touch.
Our experts are eager to help you on your journey to a successful event.
