The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (the "Convention") was adopted at the United Nations Headquarters, New York on the 9 May 1992. In accordance with Article 20, it was open for signature at Rio de Janeiro from 4 to 14 June 1992, and thereafter at the United Nations Headquarters, from 20 June 1992 to 19 June 1993. By that date, the Convention had received 166 signatures.
Pursuant to Article 22, the Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance, approval or accession by States and by regional economic integration organizations. States and regional economic integration organizations that have not signed the Convention may accede to it at any time.
The Convention entered into force on 21 March 1994, in accordance with Article 23, after the 50th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession had been deposited.
Currently, there are 197 Parties (196 States and 1 regional economic integration organization) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The authoritative information on the status of approval, acceptance, accession and ratification of the Convention is provided by its Depositary, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the respective internet page of the United Nations Treaty Collection.