FAQs —

1. What is a virtual conference?

A virtual conference is hosted entirely over the Internet. It will allow attendees to access live and hear presentations from their computers. Attendees participate through a conference website designed specifically for the virtual conference. The site is where you will watch conference presentations and participate with questions and comments in real time.

2. Who should attend?

The conference is open to a wide range of actors, including academics, donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies and the private sector.

3. What are the technical requirements needed to participate?

To participate, you need an Internet connection and web browser. For the best viewing experience, we recommend that you join the conference using a supported internet browser, which includes Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not recommended as some functions, such as chat, are not fully supported.

We'll be streaming in HD but some computers and internet connections may not quickly auto-adjust to a lower resolution stream. If you experience buffering or issues with viewing the video stream, you may have a better viewing experience by reducing the quality to SD manually. We provide instructions and screenshots for this here.

4. What happens once I register?

Once you register, you will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to connect to the conference.

5. Will I have access to the recordings and materials?

All conference sessions will be recorded and posted on this site at the end of the event, so you can view all Virtual Conference sessions at your convenience: https://www.mhmvirtualconference.com/previous-conferences/

6. How much do I need to pay to register for the virtual conference?

The virtual conference is free of cost.

7. Is there funding available to participate in the conference?

Funding is not available as the conference is free of cost and does not require any travel expenses. Participants will be able to access online from anywhere in the world.

8. What time does the conference start?

7:00 AM (New York Time). Convert to your local time here.

9. Are you thinking of organizing a group viewing party?

Joining the virtual conference is more fun with friends :) If you are tuning in from around the world, consider bringing your colleagues together to view the conference in one place. Here are some tips for organizing a viewing party:

Make sure everyone in the group is registered before the conference.
Book a meeting space that can accommodate the group.
Make sure the meeting room has a good internet connection, a laptop and basic sound system. Conduct sound and equipment checks prior to the virtual conference.
Consider organizing snacks and drinks depending on your time zone.
Tweet a photo of your group using the hashtag #MHMConf - we will post your photos online.
Connect with others on the virtual platform: ask questions and share comments.

10. What is ‘MHM in Ten’?

In 2014, UNICEF and Columbia University organized the MHM in Ten meeting, with the objective of mapping out a ten-year agenda for MHM in schools. The meeting brought together a wide range of actors, including academics, donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies and the private sector – and from a variety of policy areas, including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education, gender, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and adolescent development. The participants identified five priorities to help dramatically improve MHM by 2024. More information here.