Media Accreditation for the Ministerial is now closed
Background: As announced, Secretary Pompeo will host the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington on July 16-18. The Ministerial will reaffirm international commitments to promote religious freedom for all and focus on concrete outcomes that produce durable, positive change. A broad range of stakeholders, including senior government representatives, international organization representatives, religious leaders, and civil society activists will convene to discuss challenges, identify concrete ways to combat religious persecution and discrimination, and ensure greater respect for freedom of religion or belief. This year’s Ministerial seeks to further conversations from last year’s event and recent regional conferences. Up to 1000 civil society and religious community representatives, representing every corner of the world, are expected to participate.
Schedule and program details on Day One, Day Two and Day Three is available here. Additional background on the Ministerial can be accessed by clicking here.
Additional receptions at the conclusion of these activities will be accessible to members of the media.
Summary and Security
The Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom will be held in the Department of State’s Harry S Truman Building. Due to security measures in place for the event, for access to Ministerial events, all media will require a Ministerial-issued credential for access, regardless of existing federal or official identification.
Additional details regarding security, credential pick-up, arrival logistics, and pre-set arrangements will be electronically released to accredited media. Due to security protocols for the Ministerial, portions of the Harry S Truman Building may be temporarily or intermittently inaccessible and all individuals should expect to proceed through “airport-style” security screening.
Accreditation and Access
All media representatives wishing to cover the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom and/or to enter the press filing center must apply for a media credential by no later than Thursday, July 11 at 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.
Due to spatial and capacity limitations, coverage opportunities at the Ministerial may be pooled and require an underlay for access. Approval of media accreditation will permit access to the Press Filing Center, but does not guarantee access to specific Ministerial events.
Press Filing Center (PFC)
The United States will provide a Press Filing Center (PFC) with unassigned workspaces and a limited amount of stand-up broadcast space. Unassigned work stations are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis, and will include complimentary wireless Internet access and power outlets (North American 110V).
Numerous press gatherings may occur throughout the Ministerial days, particularly with Survivors of Religious Persecution, who will share their stories with media and be available for interview opportunities.
Ministerial-issued media credentials are required at all times for entry and access.
HostTV / Livestream
A full schedule of events, and additional technical details, will be released closer to the Ministerial. Significant portions of the Ministerial will be web-streamed. Additional portions will be available on a high-resolution basis as “clean” (no graphics/chryons) on a complimentary basis.
The broadcast standard for all video/audio feeds will be NTSC HD/SDI 1080i 59.94, and available through the following three methods: 1) Broadcaster access through the Verizon Washington D.C. AVOC through the Department of State public-domain circuit HD 552810 S0356 as well as the DC Switch circuit (www.theswitch.tv/) US DOS-1 DC; 2) displayed in the PFC and viewable by all accredited journalists, with direct audio signal distribution available (XLR only) at a central point and 3) after the conclusion of each event, the United States will post complimentary video clips of selected programing through the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS): www.dvidshub.net/unit/USDOS
Visas and Customs
It is strongly recommended that journalists planning to travel to the United States start the visa application process as soon as possible, regardless of the Ministerial accreditation process. Visa approval does not guarantee accreditation, nor vice-versa. Additional visas and customs information is available by contacting the Media Logistics team directly at summitmedia@state.gov
Additional Logistical Questions and Technical Inquires
Please email summitmedia@state.gov with any logistical media inquiries.