The Convention Secretariat is pleased to announce that, according to decision FCTC/MOP1(4) the following categories of actors were invited to attend the first session of the Meeting of the Parties:

• States non Parties to the Protocol
• States non Parties to the WHO FCTC and Protocol
• International intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) accredited to the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC
• Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) accredited to the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC

Registered participants were approved and badges were ready for collection at the registration desk before the start of the Opening session.

MOP1 has further invited regional economic integration organizations, international intergovernmental organizations and nongovernmental organizations to apply for observer status to the Second and subsequent sessions of the MOP, bearing in mind the following:

• a) any such organization must have the endorsement of its governing body in applying for observer status to the MOP;
• (b) any such organization must be free of any association with or influence from the tobacco industry, in line with Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC and its guidelines as adopted by COP, including not partnering with or receiving funds from the tobacco industry or any other commercial entity with a vested interest.

The Secretariat of the WHO FCTC