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.

Groups and bodies, outside of the government, that are involved in advice, support, funding and development work. Also called "NGOs".

An NGO is any nonprofit, voluntary citizens' group that is organised on a local, national, regional or international level. NGOs perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizens' concerns to governments, monitor policies and encourage political participation at the community level. Some are organised around specific issues, such as human rights, the environment or health.