Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Using UNFCCC materials
Hyperlinking
Event participation
Press and media
Viewing content
General

1. Using UNFCCC materials

Do you have photos of UNFCCC events that I can use?
The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB), an IISD service, provides third party media coverage of UNFCCC events. Please visit their UNFCCC event archives and then find the appropriate photo pages. Their photos are available for use, free of charge, in non-commercial publications with appropriate citation. Their website contains instructions on usage and citation requirements. However, if you are not sure about a particular use, please contact the Director of IISD Reporting Services for permission: diego@iisd.org

May I use the official UNFCCC logo?
Use of the UNFCCC logo requires written authorization from the UNFCCC secretariat. Requests to use the UNFCCC logo should be addressed to secretariat@unfccc.int.

Can I use the official United Nations emblem?
The official emblem of the United Nations is intended for official use and may not be used by persons or organizations outside of the UN system without authorization of the Secretary-General. Please note that anyone wishing to use the United Nations emblem should submit an official request in writing to the Office of Legal Affairs, United Nations. Please visit the United Nations website for more information.

Can I redistribute your press releases, or link to them?
You may redistribute UNFCCC press releases provided you credit UNFCCC. Alternatively, you may link to UNFCCC press releases from your website. Please note, the UNFCCC secretariat distributes its own press releases and does not post third party press releases on its website.

I want to get graphs and data about climate change. What is available and can I use it?
All official texts, data and documents are in the public domain and may be freely downloaded, copied and printed provided no change to the content is introduced, and the source is acknowledged. You can find graphs and data in our background publications and the GHG data section of our website. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the IPCC--they have posted numerous scientific charts that can be downloaded in a variety of convenient formats.

2. Hyperlinking

Can you link to our organization’s website?
The UNFCCC website may only link to the websites of accredited non-governmental organizations. A list of those NGOs can be found on our website . If you wish to have your organization admitted to the Climate Change Secretariat, please contact Megumi Endo, IGO/NGO Liaison Officer at mendo@unfccc.int.

Can I link to the UNFCCC web site or a particular document?
Anyone may link to the UNFCCC website or a particular document. If you wish to link to a particular document, please credit the source, be it from UNFCCC or another author. When establishing hyperlinks to our site, please use our full name “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”; do not use our acronym UNFCCC.

3. Event participation

Are UNFCCC meetings open to the general public?
No. Each participant must be properly accredited and registered.

Who can participate in UNFCCC meetings, and how do they accredit themselves?
There are different participation groups at UNFCCC meetings; these include:

Government delegate, duly nominated as part of the official delegation from one of the Parties to the Convention and/or its Kyoto Protocol, or as a delegate from an observer State. Nominations for delegations are received from the respective governments, usually through the National Focal Point. For sessions of the COP and CMP, official credentials are issued by the Head of State or Government or by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Observer attending with an accredited non-governmental or intergovernmental organization. Nominations are received through the designated contact points for the organizations.
Observer from a United Nations organization or specialized agency. Nominations are received from the respective organization.
Member of the press. Media participation at UNFCCC Conferences is subject to accreditation by the UNFCCC secretariat. Accreditation is strictly reserved for members of the press who fully meet UN media accreditation requirements. For more information, please visit the accreditation section.

4. Press and media

When should I accredit myself for UNFCCC meetings?
Accreditation usually opens two months prior to the meeting. It is advisable to apply for accreditation in advance, to avoid any unnecessary delays at the meeting venue.

Where can I learn about press accreditation for UNFCCC meetings?
Please visit our web section on press and media accreditation (also available in French and Spanish)

The UNFCCC secretariat follows the United Nations criteria for accreditation of media (also available in French and Spanish)

What must I do to become accredited at UNFCCC meetings?
The first step is to complete the online accreditation form (available two months before the meeting).

You will then have to send a letter of assignment on official letterhead of a media organization. The letter must be signed by the Publisher/Assignment Editor, Editor-in-chief or Bureau Chief, specifying the name and functional title of the journalist. Unsigned letters or e-mails will not be accepted. Then submit a photocopy of a valid press card/work pass and a photocopy of your passport or national ID card.

You may also be asked to submit additional materials, in line with the UN criteria. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, so you will be advised if any additional materials are required.

To whom do I address the letter of assignment?
To the UNFCCC Press Office.

How can I send my materials to you?
You send copies by fax to (+49-228) 815 1856, or send scanned copies in an image format (bmp, gif, tif, jpg) or PDF to press@unfccc.int

I don't have a press card. Will you still accredit me?
If you don’t have a press card, you may be asked to submit additional materials, in line with the UN criteria.

How can I check the status of my accreditation?
When you submit the online form, you will receive a PIN code and a web link to a page where you can check your accreditation status using the PIN code. We will also send you e-mail notifications when your materials have been received and advise of the status of your accreditation. Queries regarding accreditation should be addressed to press@unfccc.int

I covered the previous UNFCCC meeting, do I have to apply again?
Yes. Press badges issued at previous UNFCCC meetings do not remain valid. Members of the press must be accredited for each meeting. When completing the online form, members of the press who have previously been duly accredited to UNFCCC conferences need only enter their first and last names, e-mail address, and update any contact details that may have changed. A new letter of assignment is also required.

I would like to register as a delegate or NGO and also have press accreditation. Is this possible?
No. Double accreditation is not allowed (e.g. as press and delegate, or as press and NGO). If you are already registered with a delegation or observer organization, you will have to choose. The secretariat will not issue more than one badge to an individual.

I am a freelance journalist. Can I still get accreditation?
Freelance journalists are subject to the same requirements for accreditation and must complete the full process, as above. Freelance journalists, including photographers, must provide clear evidence they are on assignment from a specific news organization or publication. A valid assignment letter from that news organization, or publication, is required. Photographic agencies must provide clear evidence from a client news organization or publication. You must also submit the other required documents for accreditation.

I am with an independent film company that is producing a documentary on climate change. Can I access the conference?
Per the criteria for United Nations accreditation of media, independent TV production companies are required to provide a letter from a broadcast organization which intends to air their work. You must also submit the other required documents for accreditation.

Do you fund journalists’ participation?
Some participation of journalists from developing countries at our conferences has been made possible through support for media training workshops. This participation is by invitation only.

Participation has also been assisted through a cooperation with the International Institute for Journalism (IIJ) of InWEnt. Our web site has more information on this media development opportunity. There is also a link to the IIJ of InWEnt. They should be contacted directly for more information on their programmes.

Can you send me a list of UNFCCC accredited media persons?
Information on media accreditation for UNFCCC meetings is for internal use only and confidential. The UNFCCC secretariat does not distribute media lists.

I would like to stay informed about UNFCCC news and events. Can you add me to your mailing list?
If you wish to be added to the UNFCCC’s media mailing list, send a message to press@unfccc.int. Alternatively, when you begin the media accreditation process, you will have an opportunity to sign up for this service.

Do you make hotel reservations for press representatives?
Please note that press/media representatives accredited to cover UNFCCC meetings are responsible for their own travel and hotel bookings. The secretariat is not in a position to make these arrangements.

What about press accreditation for blogs?
Where bloggers fit in the new media landscape is still an open question, and how they should be handled as members of the media is still being determined by the United Nations.

Accreditation of bloggers for UNFCCC meetings will be done on a case-by-case basis. Some of the criteria currently applied to online media will be applied; in addition, additional criteria for accreditation of bloggers may be applied.

Disclaimer
The UNFCCC reserves the right to deny or withdraw accreditation for activities that violate the principles of the Charter or the codes of behaviour and or/ethics of journalism and/or the United Nations.

5. Viewing content

How can I view webcasts on your site, do I need special software?
Web casts are streamed in two Internet video formats: Real Audio and Microsoft Media. The most popular format is Real Audio; you need to install Real Player on your computer. Downloaded a free copy here: http://www.real.com/products/player. In some cases, you may use Microsofts media format.

How can I view documents?
Documents are available in the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) and sometimes in HTML. PDF is the standard format, adopted by the United Nations, for issuing official documents electronically. The task of updating this "digital library" is ongoing, and documents are posted as they become available.

Which browser do I need to view the web site?
The site can be viewed with all newer versions of all browsers. As the website uses style sheets for layout, you may have problems viewing the site in older browsers. If you are using an older version (e.g. netscape navigator < version 5.0) please use the text version of the site. And if you wish to view the website with a PDA or other hand-held devise, use the text version of the website.

6. General

Where do I find information about the United Nations in non-official languages?
German language resources: Regionales Informationszentrum der UNO and documents in German.
Information about the UN in other non-official languages.

Where can I find information about intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations?
Please visit our FAQs for IGOs and NGOs.