At its meeting of 2 November 2007, the Preparatory Committee for UNCTAD XII, in session since 15 October, decided to hold two hearings with civil society organizations to provide them with opportunities to contribute to the preparatory process and to comment on the pre-conference negotiating text. The half-day hearings were set for 28 January and 3 March 2008.
Civil society organizations holding observer status with UNCTAD and those accredited to UNCTAD XII and its preparatory process were encouraged to attend these hearings.
At the first hearing, civil society representatives discussed issues relating to the four sub-themes of the conference. The outcome of the hearing was provided in a summary report of the Preparatory Committee for the Conference.
The second hearing focused on sub-theme 4 of the conference, strengthening UNCTAD: enhancing its development role, impact and institutional effectiveness. The hearing also touched on the other three sub-themes.
Civil society organizations unable to attend the Geneva meetings were asked to provide written contributions to the four sub-themes of the pre-conference negotiating text.