30 September 2010: The UNFCCC Secretariat has released, for consideration by the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16), a list of new applicant intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that satisfy the requirements set out in the Convention, the draft rules of procedure being applied and established practice, and that have expressed a wish to be represented at sessions of the COP and its subsidiary bodies as observers (FCCC/CP/2010/4).

In drawing up the list, the Secretariat took due account of the applicable provisions of the Convention and draft rules of procedure whereby observer NGOs are required to: provide proof of competence in matters related to the Convention; and confirm their independent juridical personality and non-profit and/or tax-exempt status in a State member of the UN, of one of its specialized agencies, of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), or in a State party to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). COP 16 is invited to accord observer status to the IGOs and NGOs listed in the Annex of the document. [The Document]