CSO accreditation

The civil society, non-governmental organizations and private sector entities play a vital role in amplifying grassroots' voices and bridging the gap between local realities and the global agenda of the UNCCD. Their participation fosters valuable connections between the United Nations system and diverse stakeholders, ensuring a broad range of perspectives on sustainable development and environmental issues are heard and considered.

Accredited organizations can participate in official sessions of the COP and its subsidiary bodies if they:

  • Are qualified in areas covered by the Convention.
  • Have informed the UNCCD secretariat of their interest in participating

To start the accreditation, please fill out the form below, attaching all the necessary documents in English, French or Spanish. Organizations that meet the criteria will be considered for admission at the next COP session, with the UNCCD secretariat notifying them of the outcome. Pending final approval, organizations may also provisionally participate in subsidiary body sessions.

Once accredited, organizations can designate representatives, organize side events and hold exhibits at COP sessions. Accredited organizations must renew their status every five years by confirming their eligibility. Failure to do so will result in the loss of observer status, requiring re-accreditation.

For the business and industry entities, those that select "for profit" option need to submit the following documents:

  1. Completed “Accreditation form” with contact information of the entity and of a designated contact point for official communication with the secretariat
  2. Letter of application on the entity’s letterhead, addressed to the Executive Secretary, stating the motivation for the application and indicating how its work could contribute to combating desertification and land degradation and mitigating the effects of drought.
  3. Information on the programmes and activities undertaken by the entity that shows its expertise in matters relating to the UNCCD. Web or e‐versions are preferred in lieu of printed materials
As it appears in legal documents
If any
If needed
Attach list with names
Status
Please circle as appropriate
ECOSOC status
Official communication language
Themes
Please tick as appropriate
Sectors
Please tick as appropriate

2. Name and position of the head of the organization:

3. Name and position of the contact person:

If different from the Head of the organization

4. Constituency

Seven international constituencies contribute to the UNCCD implementation process:
Environmental nongovernmental Organizations (ENGO), Local Government and Municipal Authorities (LGMA), Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPO), Youth Organizations (YO), Research-oriented and Independent non-governmental Organizations (RINGO), Business and Industry non-governmental Organizations (BINGO), and Trade Union non-governmental Organizations (TUNGO).
With which constituency, if any, would your organization prefer to be associated?

List of documents required for the accreditation

  1. Letter of application on letterhead from the organization, addressed to the Executive Secretary, stating the motivation of the organization to apply as an accredited entity, and its engagement towards desertification issues 
  2. Completed “Organization Accreditation form” 
  3. Copies of official documents detailing the mandate and scope of the organization, such as the approved statute of establishment, registration certificate, charter or constitution of the association, and any other official document that explains the organization’s purpose, aims and initiatives. 
  4. Copies documents detailing the governing body of the organization (organigramme or similar, stating full name and country of nationality of its members). 
  5. Evidence of the status of the organization (governmental/non-governmental; public/private; profit/ non-profit) in the country in which it is based. 
  6. Information on the affiliation of the organization with non-governmental organizations or institutions involved in activities relating to the UNCCD 
  7. Information on the programmes and activities undertaken by the organization that indicate its competence in matters relating to the UNCCD, and in which country/countries they are carried out. Web or e-versions are most welcome in this case rather than printed materials. 
  8. Copies of a recent annual report including a financial statement, or other project reports produced for donor entities or governments, and information on funding sources. 

 

In the case that the organization has observer status with ECOSOC please submit documents 1, 2 and 7 plus the confirmation from ECOSOC secretariat. 

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