The participation of civil society organizations in UNCTAD's activities is governed by Rule 77 of the rules of procedure of the Trade and Development Board, its Decisions 43 (VII) and 507 (EX–53).
In order to be considered for observer status with UNCTAD, organizations must work on matters falling within the scope of the functions being carried out by UNCTAD and meet the criteria set out in the above mentioned decisions.
Organizations applying for status need to complete the below application form and provide the requested supporting documents. The application form and documents can only be submitted in the two UN Secretariat working languages: English and French.
On the basis of the information and documentation provided by the applying organization, the UNCTAD secretariat prepares and submits an official request for observer status to the Trade and Development Board, which meets annually in a regular session and three times a year in executive sessions.
The decision to grant observer status is a prerogative of UNCTAD's member States.
