Frequently asked questions | ISEAL Global Sustainability Symposium 2026

Q. Will this be a hybrid event?

We recognise that not everyone will be able to attend the ISEAL Global Sustainability Symposium in person and appreciate the interest from those who would like to follow the discussions remotely. However, the event will not be livestreamed. After the Symposium concludes, we will share follow-up resources, including a summary of key discussions and materials where available, so that a wider audience can still benefit from the insights shared.

Q. What is the main language of the event?

The main language of this event is English. Most presentations, discussions, and materials will be delivered in English. On the registration form, participants can indicate their preferred language (English, French, or both). This will help us better understand the linguistic profile of the audience.

Q. Why did you choose Ghana?

Ghana is a globally significant actor in sectors such as cocoa and forestry, with strong engagement in sustainability governance and green economy initiatives, and experience in translating sustainability commitments into practice. The Symposium will centre producer perspectives and explore practical solutions, with Ghana providing a setting that highlights local realities and informs sustainability efforts worldwide.

We intend to consider different locations for future events. We will be gathering feedback on the location after the event but are also happy to hear from you at any time with location recommendations for future events.

Q. Can you share more information about the anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Ghana? 

In Ghana, same-sex sexual activity is criminalised under a colonial-era law and can be punished with up to three years’ imprisonment. In 2024, Parliament passed a stricter anti-LGBTQ+ bill that would have further criminalised LGBTQ+ identity and advocacy. However, the bill was not signed into law and later lapsed. Lawmakers have since taken steps to reintroduce the legislation.

Legal aspect Status
Same-sex sexual activity Criminalised (up to 3 years) under the Criminal Code.  
Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Parliament (2024) Passed but never signed into law; lapsed with Parliament’s dissolution.  
Reintroduction (2025) Bill reintroduced; fate pending in Parliament. 
Enforcement history No evidence of recent convictions under colonial law, though arrests/discrimination occur. 

 

Q. What about the environmental impact of holding an in-person event?

Holding an in-person event undeniably has a greater environmental footprint than an online event, especially with an international audience. We have evaluated the pros and cons of this approach and, while most of ISEAL’s event programme remains online, we believe the benefits of providing an opportunity for you to come together in person outweigh the disadvantages.

With that said, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of the ISEAL Global Sustainability Symposium as much as we can. The event will be organised according to ISEAL’s Event Sustainability Policy, and we welcome suggestions for how we can reduce waste and minimise our carbon footprint.

Q. What’s happening during ISEAL Global Sustainability Symposium?

You can access the detailed event programme here on our public website.  

Q. How can I register for the ISEAL Global Sustainability Symposium? 

Registrations are open. You can express your interest on our main website here, where you will have to fill out the expression of interest form. Once we receive your expression of interest we will send you next steps via email.  

Q. Can I register at the event?

Please do not come to the event if you are not already registered. If you miss the registration period, please email events@isealalliance.org, and our team will do their best to help you. But please do not attend without a registration confirmation. 

Q. I need a visa to travel to Ghana. Can ISEAL support my application? 

If you require a visa to travel to Ghana, please contact Eleanor or Natalia on events@isealalliance.org. They will be able to support your visa application for this event. 

Q. Is there a preferred accommodation I can book?

There are several choices for accommodation close to the venue where the event will take place. If you would like us to send you a list of the closest hotels, please email us on events@isealalliance.org

Q. I have special accessibility needs/dietary requirements, can you accommodate me?

Please email, events@isealalliance.org with further information and our team will be able to assist you. 

Q. Are there going to be breakout sessions? Where can I find information about them?

Yes, there will be breakout sessions in the afternoon. Please have a look at the event programme to find out more about the sessions. 

 

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