Connecting 130 Nationalities at UNICEF’s First Global HR Forum
Background
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) held its first-ever global HR forum in Amman, Jordan, to align on their OneHR strategy. This event marked the first time in history that the HR function at UNICEF came together in person. The conference brought together over 200 HR professionals from around the world, representing 130+ nationalities from Sudan and Syria to Uzbekistan and Cambodia. The organizing team is looking for ways to create opportunities for attendees to connect in meaningful ways throughout the four-day event, many for the first time in person.
The Challenge
Networking at large conferences can often be a daunting experience for many attendees, and UNICEF recognized this challenge. They wanted to create an environment that was welcoming and inclusive, where individuals from diverse backgrounds could connect in a meaningful way. The challenge was to create an approach that was effective for attendees from all backgrounds and hierarchy levels while also accounting for cultural differences with more than 130 nationalities. Furthermore, the approach needed to be small enough to be inserted into the event's packed agenda and can be used as an energizer to engage over 200 HR professionals at once throughout the event
The Solution
Together with Beyond, Warmspace has developed Ignite, a technology-powered connection protocol, that ignites energy, openness, and warmth in any relationship in just 3 minutes. It's short yet meaningful and personal yet works with up to 200 people at once.
The connection protocol in Ignite is the result of 16 years of work by Beyond. It has been optimized and tested to condense what was once meant to be a week-long retreat into a 3-minute interaction. Each step was carefully designed with scientifically proven ways to bring out the best in each other. The multi-step process includes interactive activities that build trust and encourage genuine connection. Each step is timed to ensure attendees finish together and each person has an equal amount of time to share and be listened to.
The elements involved in the connection protocol include:
Greetings
Ask
Listen
Feedback
Acknowledge
Gratitude
With Warmspace's scalability, every participant is guided through the process using our mobile-optimized web application. This ensures that individuals can adhere to the protocol while benefiting from personalized facilitation.
Each day, UNICEF delegates enjoyed 10-minute connection sessions at the start and end of the day. Thanks to expert guidance from Beyond and the seamless integration of Warmspace, we made it possible for all 200 attendees to simultaneously partner up and engage in meaningful and invigorating connections.
The Impact
World cloud of how participants feel after each Ignite session
The UNICEF HR forum was a resounding success, with attendees reporting a high level of engagement and satisfaction. The Ignite protocol emerged as a pivotal element in shaping an event characterized by warmth, inclusivity, and seamless connection.
Attendees not only reported high levels of energy at the end of each Ignite but also expressed a profound sense of connectedness with their peers. Many highlighted that Ignite helped them break down barriers and forge meaningful connections with individuals they may not have connected with otherwise.
In the end, with the help of Warmspace and Beyond, the OneHR committee successfully accomplished its goal of uniting delegates from over 100 nationalities. Despite having a packed agenda and the complexity of a multitude of cultures, the UNICEF HR delegates enjoyed numerous opportunities of profound connection which left them feeling engaged and expanded throughout the event.
“Together, we engaged 230 UNICEF colleagues from across the globe in thought-provoking discussions that not only sparked conversations but also fostered a sense of warmth, laughter, and camaraderie among attendees. It was truly remarkable to witness the remarkable energy and positivity that a mere 5-minute conversation could generate in the room. The IGNITE sessions provided an eye-opening experience, leaving a lasting impact on all participants.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF, originally called the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund in full, now officially United Nations Children's Fund, is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
