The UNFCCC admits about 2,000 non-governmental organizations to attend the Conference of the Parties and Subsidiary Body meetings as observer bodies. The observer organizations have assembled into “constituencies” based on shared interests and perspectives. Constituency groups and their focal points function as a way for the secretariat and stakeholders to maintain communication and interactions. The Washington University Delegation is member of the Research and Independent Non-Governmental Organization (RINGO) constituency, a group of organizations that aim to address the causes and consequences of global climate change by engaging in independent research and analysis. During the Conference of the Parties and Subsidiary Body meetings of the UNFCCC, the RINGO constituency organizes meetings to discuss developments of the negotiations. RINGOs are the second-largest constituency, comprising 25% of the admitted NGOs, and have been represented at workshops organized by the UNFCCC Secretariat.
RINGO activities are coordinated by a steering committee. Beth Martin, the leader of the Washington University Delegation, sits on the steering committee and serves as a Co-Focal Point to the RINGO constituency. If you are interested in participating in the RINGO constituency you can contact the RINGO focal points:
- Beth Martin – Washington University, beth@ringofocalpoint.org
- Melissa Low – National University of Singapore, melissa@ringofocalpoint.org
To receive announcements and information concerning the RINGO constituency – please join our announcement only list that will be used to share announcements and information concerning RINGO engagement in the UNFCCC as well as IPCC engagement opportunities. Subscribers will receive information but cannot send emails to the list. Emails are accessible only to the RINGO Steering Committee and the list will not be shared.
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