Standard admission process, UNFCCC

http://unfccc.int/files/parties_and_observers/ngo/application/pdf/admission_process_2009_english.pdf

Standard admission process

Article 7, paragraph 6, of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC), provides, inter alia, that: “Any body or agency, whether national or international, governmental
or non-governmental, which is qualified in matters covered by the Convention, and which has informed the
secretariat of its wish to be represented at a session of the Conference of the Parties as an observer, may be
so admitted unless at least one third of the Parties present object.” Organizations which comply with the
above and with the established practice whereby observer organizations are required to furnish proof of their
non-profit and/or tax-exempt status in a State Member of the United Nations, of one of its specialized
agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency, or in a State Party to the International Court of
Justice, may be considered for admission.
Only admitted observer organizations may designate representatives to attend sessions of the
Convention bodies, or may apply to hold a side event and/or an exhibit at these sessions.
If your organization is interested in being admitted as an observer to sessions of the Convention
bodies, please send us by post the documents and information listed below:
1. Letter of application from the organization
2. Copies of documents detailing the mandate, scope and governing structure of the organization, such
as the charter/statutes/constitution/by-laws or articles of association
3. Certificate of incorporation or registration certificate in a State Member of the United Nations, of
one of its specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency, or in a State Party to
the International Court of Justice
4. Evidence of the non-profit and/or tax-exempt status of the organization
5. A recent annual report including a financial statement and information on funding sources
6. Information on the activities undertaken by the organization that indicate the competence of the
organization in matters relating to the UNFCCC
7. Information on the affiliation of the organization with other non-governmental organizations or
institutions involved in climate change activities
8. Brochures, newsletters and other publications relating to the Convention process from the
organization
9. Completed form with contact information of the organization and of a designated contact point for
official communication with the secretariat. See Contact details form.
On receipt of the above documentation, the organization’s application will be screened by the
secretariat for fulfillment of the conditions. Successful applicant organizations, following agreement by the
Bureau of the COP, may then be provisionally admitted to sessions of the subsidiary bodies or to the
Conference of the Parties (COP), without prejudice to subsequent action by the COP, which is the ultimate
authority of the UNFCCC. These organizations will be considered for final admission at the following
session of the COP.
In accordance with decision 36/CMP.1, admission to attend sessions of the COP would also apply to
sessions of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.
The deadlines for applications can be found in the document: Deadlines for applications.
For further enquiries on this matter, please contact the Observer Organization Liaison Office at the
secretariat