The São Paulo Consensus adopted by member States during UNCTAD XI in 2004 called upon the Trade and Development Board (TDB) to:
"arrange for half-day informal hearings with non-state actors to allow them to express their views on the issues before the Board"
(paragraph 117 of the São Paulo Consensus) |
This was the first time that such Hearings were institutionalized. The Hearings will be held annually in connection with TDB sessions to debate issues before the Board. NGOs/CSOs accredited to the Hearings and those that have observer status with UNCTAD will be able to participate in future Hearings.