Observers
Representation at the Foundation’s meetings for governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental entities.
Any governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental entities or agencies wishing to be represented as observers in the work of the Foundation may apply for observer accreditation.
The Board of Trustees may grant observer status based upon the Rules of Procedure, in consultation with the Bureau of the Governing Body and the Secretariat of the Foundation.
Accreditation is a one-time process: once granted, observer status remains valid unless revoked by the Board of Trustees.
Application for Non-Governmental Organisations
Applications should be submitted as a single document containing, in order:
- 1. Signed letter from the Head of Organisation to the Executive Director indicating the desire of the organisation to become an observer at the Foundation;
- 2. Information describing the body or agency;
- 3. Information on the affiliation of the body or agency with non-governmental, governmental, and intergovernmental organisations and institutions;
- 4. Information on the programmes and activities undertaken by the body or agency, and its qualification in fields relating to the Foundation;
- 5. Description of the governance and decision-making system, with a description of any network or membership system (if applicable);
- 6. Audited financial report, or a list of donors if an audited financial report is not available;
- 7. List of officers of the body or agency;
- 8. Contact information of the Head of Organisation and the designated Focal Point during the observer process.
How to apply
Completed applications should be sent in PDF to [email protected] with the subject line “Observer Application — [name of body or agency]” or mailed to the Foundation Secretariat.
Once the application is received, the Foundation Secretariat will screen applications for completeness and eligibility, then submit it to the Board of Trustees at its next meeting for consideration.
Application for States, UN System, and Intergovernmental Organisations
The above procedure does not apply to observers from the United Nations and its specialized and related organisations, intergovernmental, treaty-based or sui generis subjects of international law, or Governments and government agencies of countries, who may apply for observer status by informing the Secretariat in writing in lieu of the format listed above.
Rights of observers
Observers receive the following rights during Foundation meetings, unless at least one third of the Members present object:
- The ability to circulate documents and written statements;
- The ability to receive documentation of open meetings;
- The ability to attend open meetings;
- The ability to deliver spoken statements, time permitting and as authorised by the presiding officer.
Ready to apply?
Observer accreditation provides organisations with a unique opportunity for engagement with the Foundation and its Members, and also grants automatic eligibility to the Foundation’s funding programmes through the Invited Entity (IE) status.