CSO accreditation guidelines

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 linked on the right side of the page, 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 most welcome in this case, rather than printed materials.