Accreditation for COP 17/CMP 7 in Durban

The deadline for application for media accreditation to COP 17 was Wednesday, 16 November 2011. 

Processing of late applications will be done on a case-by-case basis.  Please note that processing of late applications may take up to 7 working days.

NOTE:  A quota on the number of participants is enforced in the interest of security.  The quota is set for ALL participants (Party, observer organization, UN and media) and is in place until the maximum level in relation to the physical capacity of the facilities is reached.

The moment the quota is reached, no more representatives will be allowed in.  Please note that the quota is recorded in the badge scanning system, so that the number of representatives entering the premises can be accurately counted.

Online media accreditation and registration system

The UNFCCC secretariat is introducing a new, fully online media accreditation and registration system. This system will allow each individual seeking media accreditation to create a personal account, enter personal data and upload required documentation. Status information on the requested accreditation will also be available through the system.

Online accreditation is now the official channel to obtain registration for the media for a conference or event. The secretariat will not accept accreditations via any other channel.

Any forms or supporting documents already submitted for Durban have not been stored and applicants will have to resend them.

Eligibility for press accreditation

Media accreditation for UNFCCC conferences is strictly reserved for members of the press (print, photo, radio, TV, film, news agencies and online media) who represent a bona fide media organization (formally registered as a media organization in a country recognized by the United Nations General Assembly). Accreditation will only be given on proof of a track record of reporting for media organizations on international affairs, specifically climate change.

No double accreditation is allowed (e.g. as press and delegate, or as press and NGO).

Requests for accreditation can be denied if applicants cannot establish they are professional journalists, or if the applications are incomplete. Applicants can check the status of their requests online by utilizing the login information received when the profile is created.

The UNFCCC secretariat must be satisfied that the individuals applying for accreditation are bona fide media professionals and represent bona fide media organizations. Accreditation will only be given on proof of a track record of reporting for media organizations on international affairs. Media accreditation is not accorded to the information outlets of non-governmental organizations. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

How it will work

 1.  What information do I need before I start?

 In order to complete the process you will need the information detailed below. All information must be as it appears in the passport or other official photo identification document which the participant intends to present at the registration desk.

•   Complete name as it appears on official photo identification
•   Date of birth
•   Nationality
•   Passport or other photo identification number (drivers license, etc.)
•   Email address

2.  How do I create an account?

Go to UNFCCC Online Registration to request account creation. Once you request account creation, you will receive an e-mail with the confirmation link.

Please follow the link and finish the account creation procedure. You will receive another e-mail with your login name, password and further instructions. The online system recognizes only valid e-mail addresses.

3.  What else do I need to do?

 Accreditation requests must be supported by the following documents:

• Letter of assignment on official letterhead of a media organization signed by the Publisher or Editor-in-chief indicating the name of the media representative and duration of assignment.
• Copy of a valid press card.  In the absence of a press card, you may submit additional materials, in line with the UN criteria.  Please refer to the system or the online FAQs for more information.

Materials are scanned into a graphics format (.pdf .gif..jpg,.tif) and uploaded into the system.  There is a file size limit of 4 MB.  This replaces the previous system of submitting accreditation documents via e-mail.  The secretariat will not accept materials sent separately by e-mail.

If there are any problems with your application, or additional information is needed, you will be contacted.

 4.  How long does it take to get accredited?

 Every effort will be made to issue the accreditation as soon as possible. However, it may take 3 to 5 working days to obtain confirmation of your accreditation.

.Please check the status of your application online, in the personal profile that you created.  Do not call the press office for updates on your accreditation.

 5.  My accreditation was approved, now what?

Once you have received confirmation of your accreditation, you will be registered for the conference.  Print out the Registration Acknowledgement Form and bring it with you to the conference.

You may collect your badge on-site at the registration desk at the conference venue.  Registration usually opens the weekend before the meeting starts. 

 Your photo will be taken at the registration station; it is not necessary to send a photo in advance.  You must present the same valid photo ID as used in your profile.

 Privacy

The names and information entered are for purposes of identification and verification only.  Required information is used for accreditation and statistical purposes and will not be published for general access. This information will be retained in the system for use at future sessions, unless a written request to remove it is received from the media concerned.  

 Letters of assignment and copies of press cards are not retained.  For each meeting a new letter of assignment must be submitted and copy of a valid press card, if it has expired since the last meeting.