The first session of the Trade and Development Commission will be held from 11 to 15 May 2009. The session will open at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, at 10 a.m. on Monday, 11 May 2009.
Membership of the commission is open to all States members of UNCTAD. States members of UNCTAD wishing to attend the session are requested to provide the Secretary-General of UNCTAD with the credentials of their representatives and the names of their alternate representatives and advisers by 27 April 2009. States that are not members of the commission are entitled to be represented by observers.
Other participants (i.e. the specialized agencies and intergovernmental bodies, as well as non-governmental organizations in the General and Special Categories wishing to participate as observers) are requested to indicate the names of their representatives by the same date.
Upon arrival, participants are requested, before entering the Palais des Nations, to collect their badges at the United Nations Security Service, Pregny Gate entrance, 14 Avenue de la Paix. The Security Service is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because of the security measures in force, participants are strongly advised to arrive before 9 a.m. in order to complete entry procedures in good time and proceed to the meeting in the E Building (Bâtiment E) of the Palais. Participants are requested to carry a passport or similar national identity card with them. Taxis are not allowed to enter the grounds of the Palais des Nations, and visitors will therefore be dropped off at the requested entrance gates. Furthermore, luggage may not be brought into the buildings unless the Security Service gives special clearance.
Communications concerning representation should be sent to the UNCTAD secretariat, Intergovernmental Support Service, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10 (fax: +41(0)22 917 0214; e-mail: meetings@unctad.org).
For all other enquiries, please contact Ms. Mina Mashayekhi, tel: +41 (0)22 917 5866; fax: +41 (0)22 917 0044; e-mail: mina.mashayekhi@unctad.org, or Mr. Bonapas Onguglo, tel: +41 (0)22 917 5496; fax: +41 (0)22 917 0044; e-mail: bonapas.onguglo@unctad.org.
(signed)
Supachai Panitchpakdi
Secretary-General of UNCTAD
24 March 2009