UNFCCC events are guided by the highest ethical and professional standards, and all participants are expected to behave with integrity and respect towards each other while attending or being involved with any UNFCCC event.

Code of conduct for UNFCCC events

The Code of Conduct applies to all participants at a UNFCCC event, that is, all persons attending (regardless whether in person or virtually) or involved in any capacity at a UNFCCC event, including in its set up or delivery. By attending or being involved in any capacity at a UNFCCC event, participants agree to abide by the UNFCCC Code of Conduct.

Further, the below guidelines and regulations are set in place to promote a harmonious atmosphere supportive of discussions and negotiations at intergovernmental meetings and to encourage the effective participation of observers in the process:

• Guidelines for participation
• Minor Participant Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Form
• Use of cameras and audio/video recording devices
• UN security guidelines
• UN Administrative instruction on Authority of United Nations security officer

The Open Dialogue offers a unique opportunity for Parties and NGO and Indigenous Peoples Constituencies to directly interact with each other on concrete issues in the UNFCCC negotiation process. At COP 28, the aim of the Open Dialogue is to pave the way for new dialogues among Parties and NGO Constituencies, among others, for the next few years, to reflect a new era of climate action.

Topic: International cooperation, social dialogue and multilevel action for the “inevitable and essential” for a just energy transition that is fair, fast, orderly, equitable and responsible

Date/time: Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 13:00-15:00

Location: Meeting Room 9 (MR9), Zone B1

For further information on the Open Dialogue at COP 28, please refer to the final programme.

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.

Acknowledging the multifaceted challenges brought about by expansive observer participation and changing venues every year, the observer review process in 2022 identified the need for capacity building for observer participants to understand the ways in which the Parties, the Presiding Officers and the secretariat enable meaningful, inclusive, fair and transparent observer engagement in UNFCCC process.

The secretariat therefore organized a series of briefing sessions across different time zones on the following topics with a view to support observers to elevate the quality and depth of engagement at COP 28.

For those who could not attend the briefings, the recordings and presentations can be found below.

Recordings and Presentations of capacity building briefing sessions:

• COP 28 Briefing for Observers: Logistics, Security, and Code of Conduct: Joined by the representatives from the UAE incoming COP Presidency, this briefing provided information on COP organization and logistics, aiming to ensure participants are well-aware of what to expect. This session also provided clarity on the safety measures and protocols in place for the duration of the COP. Finally, the session guides attendees on expected behavior through the Code of Conduct for UNFCCC Events.
  • Information for COP 28 Participants (A to Z)
  • COP 28 FAQ on the Host Country website
  • Recordings:
    • Session 1: Recording (part 1, part 2)
    • Session 2: Recording
  • Presentation
• COP 28 Briefing for Observers: Advocacy Actions and Code of Conduct: This session guided attendees on the clearance process for advocacy actions within the Blue Zone, and the applicable sections of the Code of Conduct for UNFCCC Events.
  • Relevant guidelines applicable to advocacy actions within the Code of Conduct for UNFCCC Events:
    • Guidelines for the participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations at meetings of the bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
    • UN Administrative instruction on Authority of United Nations security officers
  • Recordings:
    • Session 1: Recording 
    • Session 2: Recording 
  • Presentation
• COP 28 Briefing for Observers: General Engagement Opportunities: This guided participants through the Observer Handbook for COP 28, covering the procedural aspects of observer participation in the negotiations and engagement avenues.
  • Observer Organizations 
  • Recordings:
    • Session 1: Recording 
    • Session 2: Recording 
  • Presentation 

All general communications to observer organizations can be found here.

The secretariat, in close cooperation with UN Department of Safety and Security, facilitates advocacy actions to ensure that diverse perspectives are heard during the climate change conference while maintaining that the UNFCCC process remains conducive to intergovernmental dialogues.

There is a well established process for obtaining clearance from UNFCCC to organize an advocacy action. Please note that if you plan to organize one at COP 28, you must apply through this link.

For information on the advocacy action clearance process, please click here.