How to participate in intersessional meetings and workshops (e.g. meetings of the constituted bodies)
Workshops and meetings are mandated by the COP or subsidiary bodies as vehicles for informal advice and inputs from experts, information sharing among delegates, and promoting consensus-building on strategies outside the political negotiations. They are normally small, with restricted numbers of participants to allow them to function effectively and to fulfill the task assigned to them.
The chairs of the subsidiary bodies, advised by the workshop/meeting chairs, have key roles in deciding the format of, and participation at, a workshop/meeting, including deciding whether and how many observers will be invited. This number will be determined by the nature of the workshop/meeting and the resources available, and will take into account the level of interest among the observer organizations, with the ultimate aim of allowing an effective working atmosphere with an appropriate balance of participants.
Participation of non-governmental organizations is facilitated through the constituencies, so as to aim for a balanced representation of the admitted non-governmental organizations. The secretariat contacts constituency focal points for them to nominate constituency representatives based on the expertise required for respective workshops/meetings. Constituency members interested in, and suitably qualified in the matter of, a particular workshop/meeting, should contact the respective constituency focal point. Please note that selection of representatives will be at the discretion of the relevant constituencies and the secretariat has no involvement or influence on this.
Mapping matrix observer engagement
Different constituted bodies have different mandates relating to stakeholder engagement set by Parties. The secretariat and the co-chairs are duty-bound to operate within the mandates. The mapping matrix shows how various Constituted Bodies, Work Programmes and other initiatives and activities are engaging stakeholders.
The mapping matrix of observer engagement is a live document and will regularly be updated (latest available version 31 July 2022).
Related documentation regarding observer participation at workshops is accessible through MAS Observers.
All constituted bodies and work programmes can be found below. The schedule of workshops and meetings of the constituted bodies can be found on the respective constituted bodies website and on the calendar.