Case Study

Interpreting for Global Impact at United Nations Week

Discover how we unlock the global potential of the world’s major conferences and events with turnkey interpreting solutions.

 


About the Client 

Every year, the United Nations' General Assembly High-level Week acts as a focal point for many of the world’s major summits, conferences and events. This prestigious gathering brings together renowned leaders, including heads of state, celebrities, and influential voices like Joe Biden, Prince William Matt Damon, and Jacinda Ardern. 

For more than 15 years, Acolad has proudly supported this key week, enabling critical messages on social and environmental issues to be shared with global audiences in multiple languages. 


Driving Global Communication Through Expert Interpreting

September is the busiest time for our North America interpreting team, especially during UN Week in New York City. High-profile events drive demand for on-site interpretation, and our team meets the challenge by planning every detail to ensure seamless execution.

Setting the stage for Interpreting Success

Months in advance, our project managers work with organizers to ensure every interpreting need, for every meeting, conference or session our clients are hosting is met. This proactive approach helps us assign the right experts to topics like climate change or economic development—and earns the trust of major clients like the United Nations, the French Embassy, The New York Stock Exchange, and Earthshot.

Securing Top-Class Conference Interpreters

Finding the right people is also key. We provide expert conference interpreters who bring subject-matter expertise and cultural sensitivity to the table, so they can accurately and empathetically convey complex ideas and talking points. With UN Week bringing a huge demand for on-site interpreting services, our interpreters prove their expertise daily, not just in language, but by skillfully navigating the dynamic environment of these global summits.

Logistics: Precision and Teamwork

Our interpreters don't go there alone – it's a true team effort. Our technical teams work tirelessly to ensure the best communication experience to both on-site and remote participants. From setting up interpreting booths to managing real-time audio feeds, every detail is handled with precision.

Behind the Scenes at Earthshot

One standout moment for our teams was the Bloomberg Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit. Preparing for this high-profile event took two full days of setup, with equipment installed across five locations on multiple venue floors. Booths were built and tested under tight deadlines and high expectations.

Production managers coordinated logistics, worked with technicians for setup and live support, and ensured everything ran smoothly. Meanwhile, our Interpretation Planner helped interpreters navigate the strict security protocols to ensure everything ran on time.

When challenges arise, our technicians are ready to resolve issues in real time -guaranteeing uninterrupted interpreting services throughout the event.

"What struck me most was just how complex and fast moving this project was. Last-minute changes can require the team to pivot quickly and adjust plans!"

Chris Wells, Interpreting Program Manager, Acolad 

Learn More About Our Specialized Event, Meeting and Conference Interpreting

Seamless Communication for a Global Audience

At UN Week, every word and nuance matters. Here, the stakes are incredibly high, and the goal is to bridge divides, not create them. Our interpreters ensure that powerful speeches and discussions transcend language barriers, allowing diverse audiences to fully engage with critical messages.

Our interpreting solutions deliver:

  • Inclusive participation: Multilingual audiences stay fully engaged, with equal access to content and the ability to actively contribute.
  • End-to-End support: From logistics to live coordination, we manage every detail, ensuring a smooth experience for organizers and speakers alike.
  • Meaningful global reach: Messages are delivered with clarity and cultural relevance, extending their reach far beyond the event itself.
Our expert interpreting teams know that high-profile events demand flawless execution. By thoroughly managing every aspect contributing to successful multilingual communication, we ensure that vital messages resonate globally and leave a lasting impact.

Giulia Silvestrini, Head of Global Interpreting, Acolad.

Amplifying Global Voices at UN Week

At the world's most high-profile events, particularly during the critical United Nations General Assembly High-level Week, Acolad stands as more than just an interpreting service. We serve as a trusted partner enabling the world’s most influential voices to connect with multilingual audiences.

From seamless project management to technical expertise and a global network of interpreting talent, we transform communication challenges into opportunities for impact. We don't just bridge language gaps, we build connections that move the world forward.

Discover How Our Experts Power Global Communications at Events, Meetings and Conferences