The participation of non-governmental organizations in the meetings of the Conference is governed by rule 17 of the rules of procedure of the Conference:
Rule 17
Participation of non-governmental organizations
1. Relevant non-governmental organizations having consultative status with the Economic and Social Council may apply to the bureau for observer status, which should be accorded unless otherwise decided by the Conference.
2. Other relevant non-governmental organizations may also apply to the bureau for observer status. The secretariat shall circulate as a document a list of such organizations with sufficient information at least thirty days prior to the Conference. If there is no objection to a non-governmental organization, observer status should be accorded unless otherwise decided by the Conference. If there is an objection, the matter will be referred to the Conference for a decision.
3. Without taking part in the adoption of decisions on substantive and procedural matters, whether by consensus or by vote, at the Conference, such non-governmental organizations may:
(a) Attend plenary meetings of the Conference;
(b) Upon the invitation of the President and subject to the approval of the Conference, make oral statements at such meetings through a limited number of representatives on questions relating to their activities; and
(c) Receive the documents of the Conference.
Non-governmental organizations that wish to attend the meetings of the Conference are invited to contact the Civil Society Section, UNODC at the email unodc-ngounit@un.org
