Definitions for "Non-governmental organisations"
Many relevant NGOs attend inter-governmental meetings as observers in order to interact with delegates and the press and provide information. Within the UNCCD process, they dispose of a full slot in the plenary of the COP of at least two half-day sessions. NGOs must be non-profit and can include environmental groups, research institutions and business groups.
Special interest groups, often not-for-profit, raising awareness of sustainable development issues in business.
Voluntary, charitable or community-based organisations formally outside the government system.