Observer

Handbook for
COP 29
11-22 November 2024
Baku, Azerbaijan
 WELCOME!
Is this your first COP? Are you a seasoned observer?

This UNFCCC handbook* has been prepared to assist those observers attending a
UNFCCC Session for the first time. It is also useful for seasoned observers as the
handbook has the key information to follow the COP 29 in a nutshell. You will find some
pointers on how to participate effectively and contribute to the UNFCCC process.

We hope this handbook will help you before and during the UNFCCC session experience
and we wish you a fruitful and productive conference.

*This observer handbook is a living document and will get updated as needed.
Version as of 14 October 2024
 CODE OF CONDUCT
The organizations of the United Nations system are committed to enabling events at which
everyone can participate in an inclusive, respectful and safe environment. UNFCCC events
are guided by the highest ethical and professional standards, and all participants are expected to
behave with integrity and respect towards all participants attending or involved with any
UNFCCC event.

The Code of Conduct applies to any UNFCCC event, and any other forum
organized, hosted or sponsored in whole or part by the UNFCCC wherever it takes place, and
any event or gathering that takes place on UNFCCC premises whether or not the UNFCCC is
organizing, hosting or sponsoring.

The Code of Conduct applies to all participants UNFCCC events.

The heads of delegations are to ensure compliance of the UNFCCC Code of Conduct and
UN guidelines for participation by all representatives of their organizations.
Possible consequences of infractions are listed in the Code of Conduct.
 Foreword from the Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change

Welcome to the Observer Handbook for COP 29. Observer organizations play a vital role in the global
intergovernmental process to confront the climate crisis. They bring diverse experiences, perspectives and
ideas from civil society, indigenous communities, youth, and academia, among many others, that are crucial
to advancing our collective climate agenda, while ensuring transparency to the process.

Over the last decade, the number of observer organizations participating in the process has more than
doubled. In fact, close to 4,000 organizations will be able to register for COP 29 in Baku, sharing their
perspectives and broadening the discussion, helping to ensure that all voices can be heard. That is an
increase of nearly 200, compared to COP 28.

We have also been boosting our efforts to ensure these growing voices are as diverse as possible, and –
crucially – that we are moving towards more balance in regional representation. We need the COP process
and participation to reflect the fact that the climate crisis is hitting communities in every part of the world,
and very often hits hardest in countries that have the least capacity to protect their peoples against it,
despite having done by far the least to cause the climate crisis.

In previous COPs, we have seen an imbalance in global representation in the participation of observers.
During the June Subsidiary Body meetings, the Parties to the UNFCCC asked us to address this imbalance,
by ensuring a more diverse representation of observer organizations at COPs. It is important to note that
continuous efforts are needed to also increase the proportion of organizations bringing indigenous, youth
and women's perspectives.
 Foreword from the Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change

It is the secretariat's aim to ensure the diversity of observer organizations accredited this year, although the
overall number of observer badges had to be reduced compared to the level of last year due to reduction
of space at COP 29. With more organizations admitted to the UNFCCC process to participate at COP,
together with the boost to diversity and regional representation, will of course mean fewer badges for many
organizations. We hope that affected organizations will support our efforts this year to move some way
towards more balance in the mix of observer organizations at the COP, in a spirit of global solidarity which is
so crucial to success, at all levels.

This handbook is designed to be a resource for all observer organizations, to help them navigate the COP
and wider process, and get the most out of their participation in the COP.

I thank all observer organizations for their dedication to the climate cause and to an inclusive, safe and
productive COP for all participants during the event. We are all in this together, and the diverse
perspectives and voices of observer organizations are more important than ever.

Simon Stiell
Executive Secretary, UNFCCC
 CONTENTS

BACKGROUND ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

UNFCCC Objective Ways to Engage
What are COPs? Climate Explained
Observer Organizations Understanding the Context of
NGO Constituencies Negotiations
Documents
INFORMATION TO PREPARE Negotiation Meetings
Observer Participation and Quota Access to Meetings
Registration Meeting Rooms and Seating
Registration Updates Arrangements Protocol
Logistical Information Making interventions
Venue Engaging Beyond COP
Stay up to Date Side Events and Exhibits
Regular Conference Day Advocacy Actions

CODE OF CONDUCT
 UNFCCC OBJECTIVE

The objective of the UNFCCC is to “stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the

atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with
the climate system”.

In pursuit of this objective, the UNFCCC establishes a framework with:

Broad principles,

General obligation,

Basic institutional arrangements,

and an intergovernmental process for agreeing to specific actions over

time (including through collective decisions by the Conference of the
Parties, and as well as other international legal instruments with more
specific obligations – such as the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement)
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 WHAT ARE COPs?

The Conference of Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the

Convention. All States that are Parties to the Convention are represented at the
COP, at which they review the implementation of the Convention and any other legal
instruments that the COP adopts and take decisions necessary to promote the
effective implementation of the Convention, including institutional and administrative
arrangements. A key task for the COP is to review the reports submitted by Parties
on their GHG emissions and climate action.

More Background on the COP

The COP meets every year, unless the Parties decide otherwise. The first COP
meeting was held in Berlin, Germany in March, 1995. The COP meets in Bonn, the seat
of the secretariat, unless a Party offers to host the session. Just as the COP
Presidency rotates among the five recognized UN regions - that is, Africa, Asia, Latin
America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe and
Others – there is a tendency for the venue of the COP to also shift among these
groups.

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 OBSERVER ORGANIZATIONS

UNFCCC PARTICIPANTS
UNFCCC Sessions are not open to the public. All participants must be duly The different
participants are
accredited. There are three categories of participants at meetings and
reflected in the color of
conferences in the UNFCCC process:
the badge:
Representatives of Parties to the Convention and Observer States,
Representatives of observer organizations, PARTY

Members of the press and media.

UN
ORGANIZATION
OBSERVERS

OBSERVERS
Observer organizations are further categorized into three types:
IGO
OBSERVERS
the United Nations System and its Specialized Agencies,
intergovernmental organizations (IGOs),
NGO
and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). OBSERVERS

IGOs and NGOs can register delegates once they have received observer MEDIA

status. Information on how to receive observer status can be found here.

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 NGO CONSTITUENCIES

Of the three observer categories in the UNFCCC process, the majority of NGOs in the UNFCCC process are
organized into constituencies, which are loose groups with broadly aligned interests. Each constituency is
represented by a Constituency Focal Point (CFP), who facilitates communication between the NGOs and the
UNFCCC secretariat. Contact details for CFPs can be found here.

These constituencies correspond to the 9 Major Groups established in Agenda 21 and reaffirmed in the Rio+20
summit outcomes (A/RES/66/288 - "The Future We Want").

In addition to the nine NGO constituencies, the

Business and secretariat recognizes informal NGO groups.
Environmental
Industry NGOs Farmers These groups, composed of admitted observer
NGOs (ENGO)
(BINGO) organizations, focus on specific themes not
covered by the existing constituencies. They
receive limited support from the secretariat during
sessions:
Indigenous Peoples Local Government Research and Faith-Based Organizations,
Parliamentarians,
Organizations and Municipal Independent NGOs
Education and Communications NGOs.
(IPOs) Authorities (LGMA) (RINGO)
The list of Focal Points is available here.

Women and gender

Trade Union NGOs Children and Youth
Constituency
(TUNGO) NGOs (YOUNGO)
(WGC) 4
 BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY NGOs (BINGO)

Description: The Business and Industry Constituency (BINGO) represents businesses of all sizes,
sectors and geographies in the UNFCCC negotiation process. The International Chamber of Commerce
(ICC) has served as the Focal Point for the BINGO Constituency since the early 90s, coordinating
business participation in the process and working with its global network and wide range of partners to
ensure that climate policy frameworks are implemented in a way that works for and with business, and
through policies that recognise their defining role in tackling climate change. ICC is deeply committed to
the objectives of the Paris Agreement and has been mobilising business behind the goal of limiting
global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Role: Offering a platform for the private sector to provide technical expertise and real economy insights
to the UNFCCC negotiations and exchange with governments and other civil society groups on
opportunities and challenges related to the Convention and its Paris Agreement.

Contacts: Ms. Sophie Talarico sophie.talarico@iccwbo.org, Ms. Raelene Martin

Raelene.martin@iccwbo.org
 ENVIRONMENTAL NGOS (ENGO)

ENGO, the largest Constituency has been represented by two networks within – Climate Action Network (CAN)
and Demand Climate Justice (DCJ). However, the majority of ENGO members are not covered by the two
networks, as shown below.
ENGO Constituency Breakdown
ENGO-DCJ
23, 2%

ENGO-CAN
170, 11%

ENGO (non-CAN/non-DCJ)
1319, 87%

Source: UNFCCC Secretariat

 ENGO-CAN

Description: Climate Action Network (CAN) as ENGO constituency represents and is a

global network of more than 1,900 civil society organisations in over 130 countries driving
collective and sustainable action to fight the climate crisis and achieve social justice. CAN
convenes and coordinates civil society working on climate at the UN climate talks and
other international fora.

Role: Provide a platform for civil society organisations working on the issue of climate
justice and human rights to represent and make their voices heard within the UNFCCC
process

Contact: Tasneem Essop, tessop@climatenetwork.org and Pooja Dave,

pdave@climatenetwork.org

The insights presented on this page reflect a self-introduction from Constituencies.

 ENGO-DCJ

Description: The Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice (DCJ) is a global network of over 200
grassroots, national, regional and international human rights and climate justice organisations fighting
together for climate justice and systems change. We are a global network grounded in the realities,
challenges and struggles of the Global South and ensuring these voices are heard front and center in the
global arenas. Unlike other climate movements, our positions come from and reflect the realities of the
peoples and communities who are most impacted by the climate crisis, and we aim to influence the global
narratives and bring substantial change to global climate policies that have a direct impact on the Global
South. The Global South movement has fought very hard and for a very long time to decolonise the climate
movement, and DCJ is a central leader in that. Together, we have reframed climate action to climate justice
– with justice being at the forefront of a decarbonised and sustainable planet for everyone, not just
privileged communities.

Role: DCJ provides a critical platform for the peoples and communities who are least responsible for the
ongoing climate crisis but are most impacted by it to present their positions, lived experiences, and
demands in the global climate policy spaces and the climate negotiations. DCJ is also a campaign vehicle
for the groups from the global south to collectively campaign and advocate for their rights and demands
both within and outside the UNFCCC.

Contacts: Victor Menotti, victormenotti@gmail.com; Rachitaa Gupta, rachitaa.dcj@gmail.com

The insights presented on this page reflect a self-introduction from Constituencies.

 FARMERS

Description: The Farmers’ Constituency represents crop and livestock farmers,

horticultural growers, pastoralists, foresters, ranchers, aqua-culturists, farmers
organisations and co-operatives, farm workers, family farmers and businesses, women
farmers, young farmers, indigenous farmers, landowners, and tenants, in all their diversity
producing food, fibre and energy, from smallholder farmers to those managing large
areas of land and including agricultural and other NGOs supporting farmers on the
ground.

Role: Provides the platform for observer organisations working to ensure that farmers’
voices are heard within the UNFCCC process.

Contacts: Ceris Jones, ceris.jones@nfu.org.uk;

Francesco Brusaporco, francesco.brusaporco@wfo-oma.org

The insights presented on this page reflect a self-introduction from Constituencies.

 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND MUNICIPAL
AUTHORITIES (LGMA)

Description: The Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency is the
voice of towns, cities, regions and all types of local and other subnational governments at the
UNFCCC process since 1995.

Role: The LGMA contributes to the UNFCCC negotiations through year-round written, verbal,
in-person and virtual submissions and negotiation sessions, engages in setting and the delivery
of the action agenda with High Level Champions, engages in the development of the calendar
and initiatives of the COP Presidencies, and collaborates with the UNFCC Friends of Multilevel
Action in the drafting and adopting of COP decisions.

Services: website, mailing list, monthly webinars, monthly webinars, Whatsapp Group, Multilevel
Action and Urbanization Pavilions at COP Blue Zones

Contacts: Mr. Yunus Arikan, lgma@iclei.org | www.cities-and-regions.org

The insights presented on this page reflect a self-introduction from Constituencies.

 RESEARCH AND INDEPENDENT NGOS
(RINGO)

Description: The RINGO constituency was formed to represent officially admitted observer
organizations of the UNFCCC negotiations process that are engaged in research, teaching, and
other knowledge, practice, or theory-based activities relating to any aspect of climate change.
RINGO also promotes effective research-based outreach and capacity building relating to climate
change for all stakeholders.

Role: Ringo facilitates engagement of members in the UNFCCC process through engagement at
COPs, SBs, Constituted Body, work Program and other meetings. The RINGO constituency was
created with the understanding that it would not operate as an advocacy constituency. Members
represent a wide range of views on many subjects. The RINGO constituency welcomes the diverse
views, expertise, and experience of its members. Members may engage in advocacy in their
individual capacities, but the RINGO constituency does not take positions about current issues under
negotiations, except to ask parties to ground their discussions and decisions in sound science,
encompassing various disciplinary approaches.

Contacts:
Washington University in St. Louis - Ms. Beth Martin E-mail: beth@ringofocalpoint.org
National University of Singapore - Ms. Melissa Low E-mail: melissa@ringofocalpoint.org
The insights presented on this page reflect a self-introduction from Constituencies.
 TRADE UNION NGOS
(TUNGO)

Description: Trade Union NGO (TUNGO) is the observer grouping representing workers and
trade unions and is coordinated by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). The
ITUC is the global voice of the world’s working people. Its mission is the promotion and
defence of workers’ rights and interests. A labour focused just transition must secure the
future and livelihoods of workers and their communities during the transition to a low-carbon
economy, effectively limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 °C. The ITUC represents 200
million workers in 167 countries and territories and has 337 national affiliates.

Role: TUNGO provides a platform for the coordination of positions and the participation of
workers and trade unions at the UNFCCC negotiations.

Contacts: The focal point for TUNGO is Bert De Wel (Bert.DeWel@ituc-csi.org)

The insights presented on this page reflect a self-introduction from Constituencies.

 WOMEN AND GENDER CONSTITUENCY
(WGC)
Description: The Women and Gender Constituency (WGC) is one of the nine stakeholder groups of the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Established in 2009, the WGC now consists of
54 women’s and environmental civil society organizations, who are working to ensure that women’s voices and
their rights are embedded in all processes and results of the UNFCCC framework, for a sustainable and just
future, so that gender equality and women’s human rights are central to the ongoing discussions.

Role: Our goal is to formalize the voice of the women’s and gender civil society organizations present and
regularly active in UNFCCC processes, and to develop, streamline and advocate common positions. The
Constituency aims to bring together as many NGO observers accredited to the UNFCCC as possible to work
democratically towards achieving its goals. The Constituency works to ensure that human rights and gender
equality are firmly anchored in all climate actions under the UNFCCC and to challenge the extractive, exploitative
and patriarchal economic model which has resulted in the climate crisis.

Services: The WGC does not render any services, however, provides a space for engagement around developing
common positions in pursuit of collective advocacy for gender just climate action; capacity building and
movement strengthening.

Contacts: The Focal Points for WGC are

Mwanahamisi Singano | mwanahamisi@wedo.org
gina cortés valderrama | gina.cortesv@gmail.com
Zukiswa White | zukiswa@womengenderclimate.org
The insights presented on this page reflect a self-introduction from Constituencies.
 CHILDREN AND YOUTH NGOS
(YOUNGO)
Description: YOUNGO is the official children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). YOUNGO is a vibrant, global network of children and youth activists
(up to 35 years) as well as youth NGOs, who contribute to shaping the intergovernmental climate change policies
and strive to empower youth to formally bring their voices to the UNFCCC processes.

Mission: YOUNGO focuses on the following areas: 1) Awareness, Knowledge and Capacity Building 2)
Collaboration, Cooperation and Network 3) Policy, Lobby and Advocacy 4) Youth Action.
Vision: YOUNGO aims and envisions: 1) A climate-positive and just society living in harmony with nature and the
planet; 2) An empowered youth generation, who is driving meaningful, impactful and positive change locally,
nationally, and internationally;3) A UN where youth is sitting at the decision-making tables and is taken seriously

Services: The constituency comprises thematic and operational working groups, and also serves as the banner
under which Local, Regional, and Global Conferences of Youth are organised. During UNFCCC sessions,
YOUNGO provides a platform for young people to mobilise and organise their advocacy collectively. Each year,
YOUNGO produces the Global Youth Statement, which compiles insights, expectations and policy proposals
from children and youth organisations, as well as individuals and institutions across the globe.

2024 Focal Points:

Romie Niedermayer (romie.niedermayer@klimadelegation.de)
Mashkur Isa (mashkur.isa@gmail.com)

The insights presented on this page reflect a self-introduction from Constituencies.

 OBSERVER PARTICIPATION
AND QUOTA

The UNFCCC observer landscape is characterized by its scale and diversity, making the COP
the most attended annual United Nations conference. The UNFCCC values the wealth of
knowledge, experiences and critical perspectives that observer organizations bring to the
UNFCCC process, also contributing to its legitimacy and transparency.

The number of observer organizations admitted to the UNFCCC process has been
significantly increasing in recent years. While the addition of new organizations enriches the
process, there is a need for more diversity and regional balance in the representation of
observer organizations at UNFCCC sessions, as recognized by the SBI. Therefore the
registration quota allocation system has been revisited. Efforts were made to ensure a more
balanced representation of observer organizations with regard to regional groups and NGO
constituencies.

The quotas for admitted observer organizations have been published in the ORS and are
ready for confirmation by the designated contact points (DCPs).
5
 REGISTRATION

Parties to the Convention, United Nations related organizations and agencies, intergovernmental
and non-governmental organizations admitted by the COP, as well as media may register to attend
the sessions of the Convention.

Registration for the conference is managed through the UNFCCC Online Registration System
(ORS). The deadline for the nomination of participants representing IGOs and NGOs has closed.
The ORS is now open for the confirmation by IGOs and NGOs of their representatives from 19
August 2024 – 10 November 2024 23:59 (CET). Nomination and confirmation deadlines will be
applied strictly as the secretariat is not able to process late nominations or confirmations.
Notifications on COP 29 registration are available here.

Multiple registration for the conference is not permitted (i.e. registration as an observer
organization representative and a Party or State representative and/or press/media
representative). Please note that it is imperative that a correct and unique email address be
provided for each participant for the processing of registration confirmations.

Further information is available here.

6
 REGISTRATION

All formalities regarding registration, including issuance of badges to duly

nominated participants to attend the sessions, are free of charge.

The UNFCCC secretariat has become aware that certain admitted observer organizations are using
commercial business model packages to solicit business. As an inducement to sell these packages,
potential clients are assured participation at UNFCCC conferences, sessions and meetings through
quotas of admitted observer organizations.

The UNFCCC secretariat does not charge any fees for participating in meetings and conferences
organized by the UNFCCC secretariat. In addition, selling of badges for such events by third
parties is not permitted.

Eligible participants are accredited only by the UNFCCC secretariat who upon issue of badges by the
UNFCCC secretariat can enter conference, sessions and meetings venues and participate, subject to the
relevant rules and regulations, in the activities organized by the UNFCCC secretariat including the
UNFCCC side events and exhibits.

7
 REGISTRATION UPDATES
Transparency Measures

The UNFCCC secretariat has introduced updates to the registration of UNFCCC conference
participants, with the aim to increase the transparency of participation in the UNFCCC process.

What are the changes since COP 28?

The List of Participants (LoP) that is made public traditionally only contained delegations of Parties and
observer organizations. Since COP 28, the LoP contains all badge types, including Party Overflow, United
Nations Overflow, Host Country Guest, Global Climate Action, Press, Courtesy and Invitee badges and
Media.

The National Focal Points (NFPs) and Designated Contact Points (DCPs) seeking to register delegates are
now asked to enter the affiliation and relationship that the nominee holds to the respective nominating
entities. The LoP will incorporate the newly-introduced fields for relationship and affiliation to nominating
entities.

The field for ‘home organization/affiliation’ that had been optional is now mandatory.

The information published on the LoP is now made available in a csv. format for enhanced searchability and
data analyses.
8
Further information can be found here.
 REGISTRATION UPDATES
Daily Badges and Virtual-only Quota

Daily Badges:
Daily badges have been integrated into the process of nomination and confirmation on the
ORS.
Further information is available here.​​

Virtual-only Quota:
Registration for virtual participation for COP 29 opened on Friday, 20 September 2024.
Each observer organization is allocated a quota of 10 virtual participants.
IGOs and NGOs are encouraged to register their virtual participants as soon as possible.
Further information is available here.

9
 LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

For the most up to date information please refer to the Information for COP 29 participants list in full.
The following list consists of the most frequently asked questions for COP 29:

ACCESSIBILITY
The COP 29 venue will be accessible for those with reduced mobility needs. Further
information can be found here.

ACCOMODATION
Participants are urged to book their accommodation for their time at COP 29 as soon as
possible.
The official accommodation booking portal for COP 29 participants offers a range of
accommodation options. For detailed accommodation information please refer to the link
available here.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY

Information on health, safety and security can be found here.

10
 LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

MEETING ROOM ASSIGNMENT (MRA)

Meeting rooms can be booked by Parties and observer organizations free of charge for slots
of up to 55 minutes between 8:00 and 17:55 hrs.
Kindly note that requests for meetings to be held on the first day of the conference (11
November) will be accepted electronically from 28 October to 9 November 2024.
Completed MRA forms (link will be provided in due course) may be sent by email to
meetingrequest@unfccc.int.

PRESS AND MEDIA

Media accreditation for COP 29 is now open. Please consult this web page and our frequently
asked questions (FAQs) on media accreditation. The Government of Azerbaijan has also
published some information on media accreditation, available here. Every effort will be made to
issue the accreditation as soon as possible.

All press conferences are webcast (live and on-demand), unless otherwise noted. Detailed
information on press conferences and how to reserve the press conference room is available here.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND PHOTOS

Along with live webcast, social media community tools such as X, Facebook, Instagram,
LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube enable virtual engagement with COP 29. Photos are published
on Flickr. Further information can be found here. 11
 LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

SUSTAINABILITY
The Government of Azerbaijan is committed to promoting sustainability across all aspects of the
COP, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing public engagement in climate action by
championing inclusivity and accessibility.
Further information on the sustainability policy and targets of the Government of Azerbaijan is
available here.

TRANSPORTATION
Transport services will be free of charge to all participants. The Government of Azerbaijan is
working to ensure that participants will have a range of smooth running and sustainable modes
of transport. Further information is available here.

VENUE
Information on the venue is available on the COP 29 Presidency website

VISA
All foreign participants entering the Republic of Azerbaijan for COP 29 and the pre-sessional
meetings must have a passport which is valid for a minimum period of six months from the date
of entry into the Republic of Azerbaijan. Further information can be found here.
12
 ACCESS TO THE VENUE

BLUE ZONE
UNFCCC Badge Required

Side Events
Side events Mandated events

GREEN ZONE
GREEN ZONE Official Side Events Negotiations
and Exhibits
Plenaries
Exhibits
Exhibits
Presidency and
special events
Contact Groups
Off-site
events Outside of the Blue Zone, Media/press
UNFCCC Badges are not Informals
required. Some events Global Climate
may require pre- Action events
registration or tickets Informal Informals
Country offices and
pavilions

13
 VENUE
Blue Zone

Further information can be found here

14
 VENUE
Green Zone

Further information can be found here

15
 THEMATIC PROGRAMME

Wednesday, 13
Monday, 11 Nov. Tuesday, 12 Nov. Thursday, 14 Nov. Friday, 15 Nov. Saturday, 16 Nov.
Nov.

Science,
World Leaders World Leaders Finance, Energy /
COP 29 Technology
Climate Action Climate Action Investment and Peace, Relief
Opening and Innovation /
Summit Summit Trade and Recovery
Digitalisation

Wednesday, 20 Thursday, 21
Sunday, 17 Nov. Monday, 18 Nov. Tuesday, 19 Nov. Friday, 22 Nov.
Nov. Nov.

Nature and
Biodiversity /
Human Capital /
Urbanisation / Indigenous
Children and Food, Agriculture
Rest Day Transport / People / Final Negotations
Youth / Health / and Water
Tourism Gender Equality
Education
/ Oceans and
Coastal Zone

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 STAY UP TO DATE
STAY UP TO DATE (1)

INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS: DAILY PROGRAMME*

Information for COP 29 participants (A- Official UNFCCC guide to each day's official
meetings, events and press briefings.
Z)
Provides an overview of the status of the
Schedules and public webcast
previous day's negotiations and links to other
UNFCCC Interactive Guide
conference related pages.
In electronic form to reduce carbon footprint.
Published each morning on the conference
website.
Consult the CCTV monitors for any last-minute
changes and updates.

DAILY READS
TWN Climate
change
Earth ECO
updates and
briefing Negotiation Newsletter
papers Bulletin

17
*Forthcoming information can be found here.
 STAY UP TO DATE

ANNOUNCEMENTS: THE CCTV MONITORS INFORMATION COUNTER

Present all over the venue

The UNFCCC Information Counter will be
Any changes to the Daily Programme will
centrally located in the Conference Venue to
be shown here.
answer questions and distribute items such as
Besides the official meetings you will find the ‘’COP 29 Welcome Gift’’.
information on side events, press briefings,
etc.

Left monitor Right monitor

Formal Meetings Side events and

other activities

11
18
 REGULAR CONFERENCE DAY

Grab a coffee and check the Daily

Programme
8:00

If you are part of a constituency:

Daily Constituencies meetings
9:00 (1 hour)

Attend Side Events

Follow the negotiation meetings.
10:00 Check the side events
schedule here
beforehand and select
Negotiation meetings break for those that are more
lunch between 13:00 - 15:00. Go interesting to you.
13:00 check out various catering option.

Back to the negotiation meetings! 15:00

End of formal meetings: use side

events and receptions for
18:00 networking 19
 CODE OF CONDUCT
UN meetings operate on the principles openness, transparency and inclusiveness, to create an enabling
environment for the participation of a diversity of voices and interests. To ensure that Parties can conduct
their work and a diverse range of stakeholders can participate in the process effectively, participants are
expected to adhere to a number of rules as set out below.

Code of Conduct to address harassment at UNFCCC conferences, meetings and events

Reporting a complaint within the code of conduct

Guidelines for the participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations at meetings

of the bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Use of cameras and audio/video recording devices by participants at sessions of the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and other meetings and workshops

UN Security guidelines related to media actions, distribution of publicity materials, and use of UN
emblem at the UNFCCC conferences

UN Administrative instruction on Authority of United Nations security officers

20
 TOPICS TO BE AWARE OF IN CODE OF
CONDUCT

Badges are non-transferable. Please be careful of disposing of your

badge as it may be stolen for misuse.
Please ensure the badge is visibly worn at all times.
Please comply if UN staff request to verify identity.
The use of flags of Parties is prohibited in advocacy actions.
Age floor of participation is 16 in UNFCCC events.
The use of UNFCCC logo requires advance permission.
Do not block the movement of participants.
Please cooperate with the secretariat and UN Security officers.
Distribution of information materials outside the designated areas,
such as exhibits, is prohibited.

21
WAYS TO There are many ways for observers to engage during
formal sessions of the UNFCCC:
ENGAGE
Follow the negotiations to provide tailored substantive inputs
to Parties, ensure transparency to the workings of a complex
intergovernmental process, raise public awareness, and enhance
public access to information.

Showcase findings, whereby observer organizations can network

and disseminate research findings, lessons learnt from the
implementation work on the ground and various messages and
stories to a wide audience.
Side events, exhibits, advocacy actions are some of the avenues
to showcase these. For further information, refer to pages 35 - 37.

Hold bilateral meetings with government delegates to share

position papers and submissions, and advocate policy
perspectives.

22
WAYS TO Develop position papers and make formal submissions in
response to calls for information and views by negotiating
ENGAGE bodies. Information on submissions is available here.

Townhalls will provide space for preparing for dialogues and

briefings and raising key issues and asking pertinent questions
to the Presiding officers and the UNFCCC Executive Secretary.
These Townhalls are usually chaired by one of the NGO
constituency Focal Points. During the conference, information
on such meetings will be published in the Daily Programme and
on the CCTV screens.

At press conferences, observers can utilize the media's

extensive reach to convey their views and advocate for
change. This platform is instrumental in shaping public
discourse and influencing climate policy on a global stage. More
information on press conferences is available here.

23
WAYS TO Ways to engage through NGO Constituencies and
Informal Groups:
ENGAGE
Attend daily coordination meetings of respective
Constituencies. information on such meetings will be published in
the Daily Programme and on the CCTV screens.

Make joint constituency statements in the plenaries addressing

the conference with concise and impactful messages from a
diversity of voices, channeled through constituencies.
Statements may also be provided during Contact Groups or
Informal Consultations, time and Parties permitting.

Attend townhall meetings with NGO Constituencies and high-

level representatives, such as COP President, UNFCCC
Executive Secretary, Subsidiary Body Chairs, and sometimes the
High-level Climate Champions and UN Secretary General. These
could be used to raise key issues and ask pertinent issues.
Information on such meetings will be published in the Daily
Programme* and on the CCTV screens.

Nominate speakers/experts to speak at UNFCCC mandated

events/workshops.
24
 CLIMATE EXPLAINED

The UNFCCC secretariat has created a playlist on Youtube to demystify climate buzzwords and provide a
clear understanding of the efforts being made worldwide to combat this pressing global issue.

Dive into a series of educational videos where we break down topics like the Paris Agreement, Global
Stocktake, National Determined Contributions (NDCs), transparency, and much more.

The playlist can be found on Youtube here.

25
UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT OF THE NEGOTIATIONS

Year-long inter-ministerial consultations to develop one

national position (x 198 Parties).

Negotiators come to sessions with instructions from the

national governments with little leeway to deviate from.

Contentious issues forwarded to the Ministerial

consultations (at COPs).

Work in the capitals where the national positions are

made.

Observers’ intersessional work back home: votes,

campaigns, grassroots works, work with local
governments and municipal authorities, etc.
26
 DOCUMENTS

Pre-session
Provisional Agenda Presiding Officers documents per
and Annotations scenario notes agenda item

In-session
Reports of the
documents per
sessions
agenda items

27
The documents will be made available here
 PRE-SESSION DOCUMENTS: prepared by the UNFCCC secretariat with other
DOCUMENTS entities' assistance prior to the session to facilitate work on a specific agenda item.

IN-SESSION DOCUMENTS: draft texts (works in progress) and L documents.

POST-SESSION DOCUMENTS: included in the reports of the sessions.

Document Description Language Abbreviation

Regular Session reports, provisional agendas, constituted All UN

document body reports, background documents languages

Information Practical data (e.g., list of participants), workshop

English INF
document reports, background documents

Technical Detailed background in technical issues English TP

Limited
Draft decisions or conclusions presented to the All UN
distribution L
governing or subsidiary bodies for adoption languages
document

According to
Addendum Addition to any of the above documents Add
original

According to
Revision Revision to any of the above documents Rev
original

According to
Corrigendum Corrections to any of the above documents Corr
original

28
 PLENARY
NEGOTIATION
Open to observers
MEETINGS NGO Constituency statements, time permitting

CONTACT GROUPS (CGs)

Open to observers “unless at least one third of the Parties present at the session of
the Convention body setting up that contact group object and on the
understanding that the presiding officers of such contact groups may determine at
any time during their proceedings that they should be closed” (Decision 18/CP. 4).
NGO Constituency statements, time permitting

INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS (ICs)

If established by CG: closed but encouraged to remain open
If established by Plenary: “at least first and the last meetings of the informals may
be open”, “recognizing the right of Parties to keep informal meetings closed” (I
conclusion FCCC/I/2011/7, para 167).
NGO Constituency statements “if time and Parties allow”

INFORMALS INFORMALS (INF INFS)

Including drafting groups/spin off groups/Friends of the Chair
Not open to observers

29
 ACCESS TO MEETINGS

Observers will have priority to rooms over Party

FORMALITY OF MEETINGS:
overflow, unless the Party overflow are accompanied
The chart below provides a breakdown of types of meetings
by a Party member. In the event that Parties fill room
and documents.
capacity, nine seats (one per NGO Constituency) will
be reserved.
ACCESS TO OBSERVERS: Open meetings are limited by capacity. Closed
Open: O meetings can be opened and open meetings can be
Closed: X closed should Parties decide to do so during the
meetings.

Timeline

Meeting O O O/X X O O
Type Opening Contact Informal Informal CG Closing
Plenary Groups (CG) Consultations Informals Conclusions Plenary

Pre-sessional
Pre-
Documents documents/ Deliberations/ Adoption of L
sessional Draft text L Documents
to consult Deliberations/ Draft text documents
documents
Draft text

30
MEETING Implications of the Party-driven nature of the UNFCCC
process in terms of meeting rooms:
ROOMS AND
If the room is full, Party representatives have the priority, and the
SEATING secretariat consults the co-facilitators to try and arrange for some
representation of observers. For example, this has been
ARRANGEMENTS conducted through a ticketing process with NGO Constituencies.

PROTOCOL

When negotiations or Party meetings and NGO meetings are

booked back-to-back, and the former runs over time, NGO
meeting organizers are kindly requested to contact Meeting Room
Assignment (MRA) counter and not disturb the negotiations or
Party meetings directly. The MRA team will provide support.

In the event that the meeting room you have booked is required
for urgent negotiation meetings at short notice, you may be
provided with an alternative solution.

31
MEETING Implications of the Party-driven nature of the UNFCCC
process in terms of seating arrangements:
ROOMS AND
SEATING
Party representatives must be able to sit at the table.
ARRANGEMENTS
PROTOCOL
Default: Observers are to sit in the back rows. When you are
allowed to speak, please find a seat with a mic that is free.

Occasional exceptions, depending on the co-facilitators and

on the nature of the agenda items requiring observer inputs:
observers might be invited to sit at the table after all Parties
have taken their seats.

32
 MAKING INTERVENTIONS

Observers are often invited by the Presiding Officers to make interventions at the
opening and closing plenaries - time permitting. Sometimes, co-chairs of CGs might
invite observers to make interventions at the end of the CGs, if time and Parties
allow for it.

If your constituency wishes to speak on a particular agenda

item, approach the secretariat support team present in the
room at the beginning of the CG / IC, and they will ask the Co-
Facilitators to explore the possibility.

If the Co-Facilitators ask the Parties and no objection is raised,

and only if time remains after all Parties have spoken,
observers will be given the floor. In this case representatives of
the nine NGO constituencies have the priority, followed by
other observers.

Parties are increasingly open to hearing observer statements

in CGs and ICs.
33
 ENGAGING BEYOND COP

There are many ways to engage in UNFCCC processes after COP 29:

Make written submissions on Follow the meetings of the

agenda items where Parties Constituted Bodies for in-depth
have requested observer discussions and understanding
inputs. You can find the Parties’ positions on the issues at
submission portal here. hand.

Prepare concrete textual

Join voices together with other
bridging proposals that reflect
groups rather than working in
the on-going discussions and
isolation.
help resolve the difficulties.
Share them with Parties during
your bilateral meetings.

34
 SIDE EVENTS AND EXHIBITS

Organized by observer organizations, Parties partnering with Did you know?

observers, side events and exhibits are popular modes of
The SBI recognized side events as an essential part
observer engagement at COPs.
of the UNFCCC process and an important tool for
engaging observers in knowledge-sharing,
At COP 29, 330 joint side events and 120 exhibits are selected
from 1,300 and 300 exhibit applications respectively, networking and the exploring of actionable options
particularly those proposals by developing country observers. for meeting the climate challenge.
(FCCC/SBI/2014/8, paragraph 224).
They cover the following topics:

1. Mitigation, including response measures

2. Adaptation, including loss and damage
3. Means of implementation and support
4. Integrated and holistic approaches
5. Other unique perspectives related to UNFCCC.

Source: UNFCCC secretariat

Is your organization involved in organizing a side event or
an exhibit?
Check the home page of SEORS for the most up-to-date
logistical information.

Source: UNFCCC secretariat 35

 SIDE EVENTS AND EXHIBITS COP 29 Side Events schedule

Side events and exhibits will be running every day (except Sunday, 17 November, the How to attend COP 29 side events
rest day!) from Monday, 11 November to Thursday, 21 November.
COP 29 Exhibits schedule
To avoid thematic clashes, side events falling under the topics of the COP 29
Presidency thematic days, are not allocated on those days. Instead, they are
grouped into "thematic clusters" and are assigned slots on the days prior to the How to attend COP 29 exhibits
thematic day and/or on the days after the thematic day.

38
 ADVOCACY ACTIONS

Inside the conference venue, advocacy actions by admitted observers can be facilitated upon
request and after confirmation by the UNFCCC secretariat.

Admitted organizations are required to submit an application

request by 10:00 local time the day prior. For advocacy actions
planned on Monday, 18 November, the deadline to submit the
form is at 10:00 on Saturday, 16 November.

United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)

and secretariat staff must be present during the action to
ensure the safety and security of all participants. Trust Source: UNFCCC secretariat
relationship between NGO colleagues, the secretariat and
UNDSS colleagues is vital.

Any advocacy actions outside

the Blue Zone are under the
sole jurisdiction of the host
country.

36
Source: UNFCCC secretariat Source: UNFCCC secretariat
 ADVOCACY ACTIONS
Clearance Process

TBC The day before The day of

CLEARANCE BY
WALK THROUGH AUTHORIZED
SUBMIT APPLICATION SECRETARIAT AND
VENUE ACTION
UNDSS

Usually, the day Observer Political sensitivity UNFCCC

prior to the start organizations Logistical secretariat,
of the session submit arrangements UNDSS
UN Department application via Code of Conduct presence with
for Safety and online form and related organizers
Security; Consultations Guidelines Agreed time and
UNFCCC with applicants Safety and content
secretariat; Ensure Code of security Guidelines
interested and Conduct and Talk to
available NGOs guidelines are secretariat staff
co-determine followed if any issues
advocacy action
locations

37 (Iterative process in case of feedback/need for revision)

 We wish you a
productive conference!
For more information please visit the Non-Party
Stakeholder web pages or contact us at
cool@unfccc.int

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