View source for United Nations General Assembly observers

{{Short description|Non-member observer states of the UN}}
{{Use Oxford spelling|date=February 2022}}The [[United Nations General Assembly]] has granted observer status to [[international organization]]s, entities, and non-member [[Sovereign state|state]]s, to enable them to participate in the work of the United Nations General Assembly, though with limitations. The General Assembly determines the privileges it will grant to each observer, beyond those laid down in a 1986 Conference on treaties between states and international organizations.<ref name="Sabel2017">{{cite book|author=Robbie Sabel|title=Rules of Procedure at the UN and at Inter-Governmental Conferences |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qshJDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA55|date=14 December 2017 |publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-316-78210-1|page=55}}</ref> Exceptionally, the [[European Union]] (EU) was in 2011 granted the right to speak in debates, to submit proposals and amendments, the right of reply, to raise points of order and to circulate documents, etc. {{As of|May 2011}}, the EU is the only international organization to hold these enhanced rights, which has been likened to the rights of full membership,<ref name="win" /> short of the right to vote.

Observer status may be granted by a [[United Nations General Assembly resolution]]. The status of a permanent observer is based purely on practice of the General Assembly, and there are no provisions for it in the [[United Nations Charter]].<ref name="partlist">{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/about-us/about-permanent-observers|title= About Permanent Observers |website=United Nations |access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502165825/http://www.un.org/en/members/aboutpermobservers.shtml|archive-date=2 May 2016}}</ref> The practice is to distinguish between state and non-state observers. Non-member states are members of one or more [[List of specialized agencies of the United Nations|specialized agencies]], and can apply for permanent observer state status.<ref name="partlist"/> Non-state observers are the [[international organization]]s and other entities.

==Non-member observers==
The General Assembly may invite non-member entities to participate in the work of the United Nations without formal membership, and has done so on numerous occasions. Such participants are described as observers, some of which may be further classified as non-member state observers. Most former non-member observer states accepted observer status at a time when they had applied for membership but were unable to attain it, due to the actual or threatened veto by one or more of the [[permanent members of the United Nations Security Council|permanent members of the Security Council]]. The grant of observer status is made by the General Assembly only; it is not subject to a Security Council veto.

In some circumstances a state may elect to become an observer rather than full member. For example, to preserve its neutrality while participating in its work, [[Switzerland]] chose to remain a permanent non-member state observer from 1948 until it became a member in 2002.

===Current non-member observers===
{{See|Holy See and the United Nations|Palestine and the United Nations}}

{{As of|2019}}, there are two permanent non-member observer states in the General Assembly of the United Nations: the [[Holy See]] and the [[State of Palestine]]. Both were described as "Non-Member States having received a standing invitation to participate as Observers in the sessions and the work of the General Assembly and maintaining Permanent Observer Missions at Headquarters".<ref name="UN Non-Member States">{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/en/about-us/non-member-states |title=Non-Member States |website=United Nations }}</ref>

The Holy See uncontroversially obtained its non-member observer state status in 1964. The Holy See did not wish to join the United Nations as a member because "Membership in the organization would not seem to be consonant with the provisions of Article 24 of the [[Lateran Treaty]], particularly as regards spiritual status and participation in possible use of force."<ref>[[James Crawford (jurist)|James Crawford]], The Creation of States in International Law, (1979) p. 156.</ref> Since April 6, 1964, the Holy See has accepted permanent observer state status, which was regarded as a diplomatic courtesy, to enable the Holy See to participate in the UN's humanitarian activities and in the promotion of peace.

In 2012, Palestine's observer status was changed from "non-member observer entity" to "non-member observer state", which many called "symbolic".<ref>American Society of International Law, 7 December 2012: [http://www.asil.org/insights/volume/16/issue/37/legal-implications-un-general-assembly-vote-accord-palestine-status Legal Implications of the UN General Assembly Vote to Accord Palestine the Status of Observer State] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929222717/http://www.asil.org/insights/volume/16/issue/37/legal-implications-un-general-assembly-vote-accord-palestine-status |date=2015-09-29 }}, by John Cerone</ref> The change followed an application by Palestine for full UN membership in 2011<ref name=palmember>{{cite news| url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39722&Cr=palestin&Cr1=| title=Ban sends Palestinian application for UN membership to Security Council| publisher=United Nations| date=23 September 2011| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703164241/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39722&Cr=palestin&Cr1=| archive-date=3 July 2017}}</ref> as part of the [[Palestine 194]] campaign, to provide additional leverage to the Palestinians in their dealings with Israel.<ref>CNN, 30 November 2012, [https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/29/world/meast/palestinian-united-nations/ U.N. approves Palestinian 'observer state' bid] </ref> The application had not been put to a UN Security Council vote.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/11/united-nations-delays-palestinian-statehood-vote|title=UN vote on Palestinian state put off amid lack of support |last=McGreal|first=Chris|date=11 November 2011|access-date=27 October 2018|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>  With the change in status, the [[United Nations Secretariat]] held that Palestine was entitled to become a party to treaties for which the UN Secretary-General is the [[depositary]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://legal.un.org/ola/media/info_from_lc/POB%20COJUR.pdf |title=EU Council Working Group on Public International Law – COJUR|last=O'Brien|first=Patricia|author-link1=Patricia O'Brien|date=2013-02-06|access-date=2016-04-25|publisher=[[United Nations Office of Legal Affairs]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911124208/http://legal.un.org/ola/media/info_from_lc/POB%20COJUR.pdf|archive-date=2015-09-11}}</ref> On 17 December 2012, UN Chief of Protocol, Yeocheol Yoon, declared that "the designation of 'State of Palestine' shall be used by the Secretariat in all official United Nations documents."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/20/u-n-adds-new-name-state-of-palestine.html|title=U.N. Adds New Name: "State of Palestine" |author=Ali|date=20 December 2012|access-date=10 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Daily Beast]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221170726/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/20/u-n-adds-new-name-state-of-palestine.html|archive-date=21 December 2012}}</ref>

The seating in the [[United Nations General Assembly Hall|General Assembly Hall]] is arranged with non-member observer states being seated immediately after [[member states of the United Nations|UN member states]], and before other observers.<ref name="UN_ARES58314"/>  On 10 September 2015, the General Assembly resolved to approve the raising at the UN of the flags of non-member observer states alongside those of the 193 UN member states.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Anna |first1=Cara |last2=Lederer |first2=Edith |author-link2=Edith Lederer |date=2015-09-11 |title=UN strongly approves Palestinian proposal to raise flag |url=https://apnews.com/general-news-a2eb7a4214a34269ae97f78a4efd204d |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Non-Member State<ref name="UN Non-Member States"/>
! Date observer status was granted
! Additional timeline and details
|-
|valign=top|{{flagicon|Vatican City}} [[Holy See]]
|valign=top| 6 April 1964: granted permanent observer state status<br /> 1 July 2004: gained all the rights of full membership except ''voting rights, submission of resolution proposals without co-sponsoring, and putting forward candidates'' (A/RES/58/314)<ref name="UN_ARES58314">{{UN document |docid=A-RES-58-314|title=Participation of the Holy See in the work of the United Nations |type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=58 |resolution_number=314 |date=2004-07-16|accessdate=2016-04-24}}</ref>
|valign=top| The [[sovereignty|sovereign entity]] with [[state (polity)|statehood]] over the territory of the [[Vatican City|Vatican City State]].
|-
|valign=top| {{flagicon|Palestine}} [[State of Palestine]]{{Anchor|Palestine}}
|valign=top|
14 October 1974: the [[United Nations General Assembly]] recognized the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) as the representative of the Palestinian people, and granted it the right to participate in the deliberations of the General Assembly on the question of Palestine in plenary meetings (A/RES/3210 (XXIX))<ref>UNGA, 14 October 1974; [https://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/0D024B3225278456852560DE0056AA64 ''Resolution 3210 (XXIX). Invitation to the Palestine Liberation Organization''] (doc.nr.A/RES/3210 (XXIX)) {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103082509/http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/0D024B3225278456852560DE0056AA64 |date=3 January 2011}}</ref><br />
<!--
 (1) -->22 November 1974: non-state observer status granted to the PLO (A/RES/3237 (XXIX))<ref name="UN_ARES3237XXIX">{{UN document |docid=A-RES-3237(XXIX)|title=Observer status for the Palestine Liberation Organization |type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=29 |resolution_number=3237 |date=1974-11-22|accessdate=2016-04-24}}</ref> <br /><!--
 (2) -->9 December 1988: granted the right to circulate communications without an intermediary (A/RES/43/160)<ref name="UN_ARES43160">{{UN document |docid=A-RES-43-160 |title=Observer status of national liberation movements recognized by the Organization of African Unity and/or by the League of Arab States|type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=43 |resolution_number=160 |date=1988-12-09|accessdate=2016-04-24}}</ref>  <br /><!--
 (3) -->15 December 1988: designation changed to "Palestine" ([[United Nations General Assembly Resolution 43/177|A/RES/43/177]])<ref name="UN_ARES43177">{{UN document |docid=A-RES-43-177 |title=Question of Palestine|type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=43 |resolution_number=177 |date=1988-12-15|accessdate=2016-04-24}}</ref> <br /><!--
 (4) -->7 July 1998: granted additional rights, including the right to participate in general debate (A/RES/52/250)<ref name="UN_ARES52250">{{UN document |docid=A-RES-52-250 |title=Participation of Palestine in the work of the United Nations|type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=52 |resolution_number=250 |date=1998-07-13|accessdate=2016-04-24}}</ref><br /><!--
 (5) -->29 November 2012: status changed to non-member observer state ([[United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19|A/RES/67/19]]):<ref name="UN_ARES6719">{{UN document |docid=A-RES-67-19 |title=Status of Palestine in the United Nations |type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=67 |resolution_number=19 |date=2012-12-04|accessdate=2016-04-24}}</ref><ref>[http://www.un.int/wcm/content/site/palestine/ Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the United Nations] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131073609/http://www.un.int/wcm/content/site/palestine/ |date=January 31, 2013 }}: "since ... Vote in the United Nations General Assembly which accorded to Palestine Observer State Status, the official title of the Palestine mission has been changed to The Permanent Observer Mission of the [[State of Palestine]] to the United Nations."</ref><br /><!--
 (6)-->16 October 2018: temporarily granted additional rights while Palestine was Chair of the [[Group of 77]] for 2019 (A/RES/73/5).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-un/un-allows-palestinians-to-act-more-like-full-member-in-2019-idUSKCN1MQ2R7|title=U.N. allows Palestinians to act more like full member in 2019|website=Reuters|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=November 1, 2019}}</ref><br /><!--
 (7)-->10 May 2024: granted additional rights, including being seated with member states, the right to introduce proposals and agenda items, and participate in committees, but not the right to vote ([[United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/23|A/ES-10/23]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4046991|title=Admission of new Members to the United Nations : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly|date=2024-05-10|accessdate=2024-05-12|publisher=[[United Nations]]}}</ref>

|valign=top|<!--
 (1) -->28 October 1974: PLO recognized as "sole legitimate representative of the [[Palestinians|Palestinian people]]", by [[1974 Arab League summit|states of the seventh Arab summit]] (and later by [[Foreign relations of Palestine|over 100 states]] with which it holds diplomatic relations and by [[Israel]]).<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace+Process/Guide+to+the+Peace+Process/Israel-PLO+Recognition+-+Exchange+of+Letters+betwe.htm Israel-PLO Recognition-Exchange of Letters between PM Rabin and Chairman Arafat-Sept 9- 1993] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512021256/http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace+Process/Guide+to+the+Peace+Process/Israel-PLO+Recognition+-+Exchange+of+Letters+betwe.htm |date=2008-05-12 }}. Mfa.gov.il (9 September 1993). Retrieved on 25 August 2013.</ref><ref name="baltimoresun">{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1993/09/10/at-the-threshold-of-peace-mutual-recognition-ends-3-decades-of-strife-between-israel-and-plo-israeli-plo-peace-talks/|title=At the threshold of peace Mutual recognition ends 3 decades of strife between Israel and PLO ISRAELI-PLO PEACE TALKS|access-date=6 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110628044408/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1993-09-10/news/1993253104_1_israel-and-plo-palestinians-israeli-plo|archive-date=28 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="al -Madfai">[[Madiha Rashid Al-Madfai]], ''Jordan, the United States and the Middle East Peace Process, 1974–1991'', Cambridge Middle East Library, Cambridge University Press (1993). {{ISBN|0-521-41523-3}}. p. 21:"On 28 October 1974, the seventh Arab summit conference held in Rabat designated the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and reaffirmed their right to establish an independent state of urgency."</ref><ref name=Geldenhuysp155>{{Cite book|title=Isolated states: a comparative analysis|page=155|first1=Deon|last1=Geldenhuys|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1990|isbn=9780521402682|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dVmhhVHvTAMC&q=PLO+observer+UN+sole+legitimate&pg=PA155}}</ref><br /><!--
 (2) -->22 November 1974: PLO [[United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3236|recognized as]] competent on all matters concerning the question of Palestine by the UN General Assembly in addition to the right of the [[Palestinians|Palestinian people]] in [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]] to [[self-determination|national independence]] and [[sovereign state|sovereignty]].<br /><!--
 (3) -->15 November 1988: PLO [[Palestinian Declaration of Independence|unilaterally declared]] the [[State of Palestine]].<br /><!--
 (4) -->4 May 1994: PLO established the [[Palestinian National Authority]] [[Palestinian territories|territorial]] administration as result of the [[Oslo Accords]] signed by the PLO itself, [[Israel]], [[United States]] and [[Russia]].<br /><!--
 (5) -->7 July 1998: PLO has been assigned seating in the [[United Nations General Assembly Hall|General Assembly Hall]] immediately after non-member States and before the other observers.<ref name="UN_ARES52250"/><ref>[https://www.un.org/en/members/nonmembers.shtml UN observers: Non-member States and Entities] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502060356/http://www.un.org/en/members/nonmembers.shtml |date=May 2, 2013 }} Palestine is listed immediately after non-member States (on the same page) and before the other observers (that are on the next page).</ref><br /><!--
 (6)-->23 September 2011: State of Palestine applies for UN membership<ref>{{UN document|title=Application of Palestine for admission to membership in the United Nations|date=2011-09-23|accessdate=2016-04-16|publisher=[[United Nations]]|docid=A/66/371|body=A|type=A|session=66|document_number=116}}</ref><br /><!--
 (7)-->17 December 2012: UN Chief of Protocol Yeocheol Yoon decides that "the designation of 'State of Palestine' shall be used by the Secretariat in all official United Nations documents."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/20/u-n-adds-new-name-state-of-palestine.html|title=U.N. Adds New Name: "State of Palestine"|last=Gharib|first=Ali|date=20 December 2012|access-date=10 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Daily Beast]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221170726/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/20/u-n-adds-new-name-state-of-palestine.html|archive-date=21 December 2012}}</ref>

|}

;Notes
* The [[Cook Islands]] and [[Niue]], both [[associated state|states in free association]] with [[New Zealand]], are members of several [[List of specialized agencies of the United Nations|UN specialized agencies]], and have had their "full treaty-making capacity" recognized by [[United Nations Secretariat]] in 1992 and 1994 respectively.<ref name=art102>{{citation |url=http://legal.un.org/repertory/art102/english/rep_supp8_vol6-art102_e_advance.pdf |title=Repertory of Practice |publisher=[[United Nations|UN]] |contribution=Organs Supplement |number=8 |page=10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019223055/http://legal.un.org/repertory/art102/english/rep_supp8_vol6-art102_e_advance.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-19 }}</ref><ref name=map>{{citation |url=https://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/world00.pdf |publisher=[[United Nations|UN]] |title=The World today |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319065933/http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/world00.pdf |archive-date=2015-03-19 }}</ref>  The Cook Islands has expressed a desire to become a UN member state, but New Zealand has said that they would not support the application without a change in their constitutional relationship, in particular the right of Cook Islanders to [[New Zealand nationality law|New Zealand citizenship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/276695/nz-pm-rules-out-discussion-on-cooks-un-membership|title=NZ PM rules out discussion on Cooks UN membership|date=2015-06-19|access-date=2016-04-16|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427063929/http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/276695/nz-pm-rules-out-discussion-on-cooks-un-membership|archive-date=2016-04-27}}</ref>
* The [[Taiwan|Republic of China]] (ROC), commonly known as [[Taiwan]], was a founding member of the United Nations representing China, which had been divided between the ROC and the [[China|People's Republic of China]] (PRC) since the [[Chinese Civil War]]. However, the 1971 [[United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758]] transferred China's seat in the UN from the ROC to the PRC.  Since then, [[China and the United Nations#Efforts to reintroduce the ROC to the UN|Taiwan has sought to resume its participation in UN activities]].  Various methods were considered, including seeking observer status,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mw3IBAAAQBAJ|title=Cross-Strait Relations and International Organizations: Taiwan's Participation in IGOs in the Context of Its Relationship with China|year=2014|first=Björn Alexander|last=Lindemann|publisher=[[Springer Science+Business Media]]|pages=258|isbn=9783658055271}}</ref> but ultimately the ROC chose to submit more vague requests which did not specify the form of participation it sought between 1993 and 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/taiwans-un-dilemma-to-be-or-not-to-be/ |title=Taiwan's UN Dilemma: To Be or Not To Be |access-date=2019-03-07 |last=Winkler |first=Sigrid |date=2012-06-20 |publisher=[[Brookings Institution|Brookings]] |location=Washington D.C. }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-un-idUSTP7324920080918 |access-date=27 October 2013 |title=U.N. again throws out Taiwan bid for recognition |date=18 September 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210629/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/09/18/us-taiwan-un-idUSTP7324920080918 |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}: "This time, Taiwan was not applying for membership, just to take part in unspecified U.N. 'activities'."</ref>  These requests have been consistently denied due to the UN's recognition of the PRC as the "legitimate representative of China to the United Nations".<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-un-idUSTRE5830QM20090904 |access-date=27 October 2013 |title=Taiwan drops annual U.N. bid as China relations warm |date=4 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210610/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/09/04/us-taiwan-un-idUSTRE5830QM20090904 |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref>  The UN Secretary-General concluded from the resolution that the General Assembly considered Taiwan to be a [[Provinces of China|province of China]] rather than an independent country, and thus it is not eligible to become party to treaties for which the UN Secretary-General is the depositary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://treaties.un.org/doc/source/publications/FC/English.pdf|title=Final Clauses of Multilateral Treaties |year=2003|access-date=2016-04-25|publisher=United Nations|quote=Hence, instruments received from the Taiwan Province of China will not be accepted by the Secretary-General in his capacity as depositary.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331070613/https://treaties.un.org/doc/source/publications/FC/English.pdf|archive-date=2016-03-31}}</ref>
* Other countries are recognized by the United Nations as not being self-governing and appear on the [[United Nations list of non-self-governing territories]], but are represented in the UN by their respective administering member state.<ref name="world00">[https://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/world00.pdf UN THE WORLD TODAY (PDF)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319065933/http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/world00.pdf |date=2015-03-19 }} showing UN member states (blue), non-member states (green and yellow), non-self-governing territories (red) and the [[Occupied Palestinian Territory]] (gray).</ref> In 1976, Spain unilaterally abandoned its responsibilities for [[Western Sahara]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/en/nsgt#_edn2|title=Non-Self-Governing Territories|accessdate=5 June 2025}}</ref> since then, the [[Polisario Front]] has been recognized as the legitimate representative of Western Sahara, though it has never been conferred observer status.<ref name="Polisario"/>

===Former non-member observers===
Sixteen former non-member states were also granted observer status.<ref>{{cite book|author=Connie L. McNeely|title=Constructing the nation-state: international organization and prescriptive action|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8JKEj94TsP4C&pg=PA44|access-date=1 May 2011|year=1995|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-313-29398-6|pages=44–45}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.int/wcm/content/site/palestine/pid/11550|title=Status of Palestine at the United Nations|publisher=Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the United Nations|access-date=1 May 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722013531/http://www.un.int/wcm/content/site/palestine/pid/11550|archive-date=22 July 2011}}</ref> Fourteen of those states eventually became members of the United Nations. The other two constitute a single special case.{{refn|name=Vietnam|group=Note}}

Most of the former non-member observer states accepted this status at a time when they had applied for membership but were unable to attain it, due to the (actual or threatened) veto of one or more of the [[permanent members of the United Nations Security Council|permanent members of the Security Council]]. The vetoes were later overcome either by changes in geopolitical circumstances, or by "[[Member states of the United Nations#Package Deal|package deals]]" under which the Security Council approved multiple new member states at the same time, as was done with a dozen countries in 1955 and with East and West Germany in 1973.{{Citation needed|date=December 2012}}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" | State
! scope="col" | Granted
! scope="col" | Became full member
! scope="col" | Period
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Austria|name=Republic of Austria}}
| 1952 || 1955 || {{Nts|3}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Bangladesh|1973|name=People’s Republic of Bangladesh}}
| 1973 || 1974 || {{Nts|1}} year
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flagdeco|North Korea}} [[North Korea|Democratic People's Republic of Korea]]
| 1973 || 1991 || {{Nts|18}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flagdeco|North Vietnam}} [[North Vietnam|Democratic Republic of Vietnam]]
| 1975 || <span style="display:none">1977a</span> —{{refn|On 30 April 1975 [[South Vietnam]] was [[1975 Spring Offensive|taken over by North Vietnamese forces]] and on [[Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam|2 July 1976 it united]] with [[Democratic Republic of Viet Nam|North Vietnam]] to form modern [[Socialist Republic of Vietnam|Vietnam]], which was granted observer status in 1976. The UN General Assembly resolutions and decisions for the 30th and 31st sessions do not record the decision to grant observer status, but Resolution 31/21 of 26 November 1976 does refer to the "Permanent Observer of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the United Nations". Viet Nam became a member of the UN on 20 September 1977.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/32/2&Lang=E&Area=RESOLUTION|title=United Nations Official Document|website=United Nations|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228154753/http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FRES%2F32%2F2&Lang=E&Area=RESOLUTION|archive-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>|name=Vietnam|group=Note}} || ''{{Nts|1}} year''
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|West Germany|name=Federal Republic of Germany}}
| 1952 || 1973 || {{Nts|21}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Finland|name=Republic of Finland}}
| 1952 || 1955 || {{Nts|3}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|East Germany|name=German Democratic Republic}}
| 1972 || 1973 || {{Nts|1}} year
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Italy|name=Italian Republic}}
| 1952 || 1955 || {{Nts|3}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Japan}}
| 1952 || 1956 || {{Nts|4}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Kuwait|name=State of Kuwait}}
| 1962 || 1963 || {{Nts|1}} year
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Monaco|name=Principality of Monaco}}
| 1956 || 1993 || {{Nts|37}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flagdeco|South Korea|variant=1949}} [[South Korea|Republic of Korea]]
| 1949 || 1991 || {{Nts|42}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|State of Vietnam}}<br>{{Flag|Republic of Vietnam}}
| 1952 || <span style="display:none">1976</span> —{{refn|name=Vietnam|group=Note}} || ''{{Nts|23}} years''
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Francoist Spain|name=Spanish State}}
| 1955 || 1955 || {{Nts|0}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Switzerland|name=Swiss Confederation}}
| 1946 || 2002 || {{Nts|56}} years
|-
! scope="row" | {{Flag|Vietnam|name=Socialist Republic of Vietnam}}
| 1976{{refn|name=Vietnam|group=Note}} || <span style="display:none">1977b</span> 1977 || {{Ntsh|1}} 1 year
|}

;Notes
{{Reflist|group="Note"}}

==Entities and international organizations==
{{Dynamic list}}
Many [[intergovernmental organization]]s and a few other entities ([[non-governmental organization]]s and others with various degrees of statehood or sovereignty), are invited to become observers at the General Assembly. Some of them maintain a permanent office in the United Nations headquarters in [[New York City]], while others do not; however, this is the choice of the organization and does not imply differences in their status.<ref>United Nations http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/INF/63/6&Lang=E {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110215713/http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FINF%2F63%2F6&Lang=E |date=2010-11-10}}</ref>

===Regional organization allowed by their member states to speak on their behalf===
{{Main|European Union and the United Nations}}

While the EU is an observer, it is party to some 50 international UN agreements as the only non-state participant. It is a full participant on the [[Commission on Sustainable Development]], the [[United Nations Forum on Forests|Forum on Forests]] and the [[Food and Agriculture Organization]]. It has also been a ''full participant'' at certain UN summits, such as the Rio and Kyoto summits on climate change, including hosting a summit. Furthermore, the EU delegation maintains close relations with the UN's aid bodies.<ref name="delegation">[http://www.europa-eu-un.org/articles/en/article_458_en.htm Description of the European Union Delegation in New York] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530151943/http://www.europa-eu-un.org/articles/en/article_458_en.htm |date=2010-05-30 }}, EU Delegation to the UN</ref> In 2011 the EU was granted enhanced powers in the General Assembly; the right to speak in debates, to submit proposals and amendments, the right of reply, to raise points of order and to circulate documents. These rights were also made open to other international organizations who requested them,<ref name="reach">Phillips, Leigh (15 July 2010) [http://euobserver.com/9/30481 EU reaches out for new powers at United Nations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215125308/http://euobserver.com/9/30481 |date=2010-12-15 }}, EU Observer</ref><ref name="win">Phillips, Leigh (3 May 2011), "[http://euobserver.com/9/32262 EU wins new powers at UN, transforming global body]", ''EU Observer''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727231858/http://euobserver.com/9/32262 |date=2011-07-27 }}.</ref> if their members have given them the right to speak on their behalf.<ref name="UN_ARES65276"/>

In the resolution adopted in May 2011 granting additional rights to the [[European Union]] the UNGA decided that similar arrangements may be adopted for any other [[regional organization]] that is allowed to speak on behalf of its member states.<ref name="UN_ARES65276"/>

{| class="wikitable"
! Organization or entity
! Date observer status was granted
! Entity type
|-
|valign=top| {{flagicon image|Flag of Europe.svg}} [[European Union]]<ref group=note>Originally under the designation of [[European Communities]]. The EC formally became the EU on 1 December 2009 and was acknowledged by 2011.</ref>
|valign=top|11 October 1974 (A/RES/3208 (XXIX)): observer status<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/738/10/pdf/nr073810.pdf|title=3208 (XXIX). Status of the European Economic Community in the General Assembly|date=11 October 1974|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref><br /> {{nowrap|10 May 2011 (A/RES/65/276):<ref name="UN_ARES65276">{{UN document |docid=A-RES-65-276 |type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=65 |resolution_number=276 |accessdate=10 September 2011|title=Participation of the European Union in the work of the United Nations}}</ref> [[#European Union|additional rights]]}}
|valign=top|The only observer that operates through a hybrid system of [[intergovernmentalism]] and [[supranational union|supranationalism]], giving it some state-like qualities.
|}

===Intergovernmental organizations===
Those organizations that have permanent offices at the UN headquarters are marked with an asterisk (*).

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Organization
! Date observer status was granted
|-
|{{flagicon image|Logo Afrikanische Entwicklungsbank.svg}} [[African Development Bank]]
| {{dts|28 Oct 1987}} (A/RES/42/10)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/512/42/pdf/nr051242.pdf|title=42/10. Observer status for the African Development Bank in the General Assembly|date=28 October 1987|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|Flag of the African Union.svg}} [[African Union]]<nowiki>*</nowiki><br>{{small|formerly the [[Organisation of African Unity]]}}
| {{dts|11 Oct 1965}} (A/RES/2011(XX))<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/217/74/pdf/nr021774.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921175320/http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/217/74/IMG/NR021774.pdf?OpenElement|title=2011 (XX). Co-operation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity|date=11 October 1965|archive-date=21 September 2012|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref><br>15 Aug 2002 (General Assembly decision 56/475)
|-
| [[OPANAL|Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean]]
| {{dts|17 Oct 1988}} (A/RES/43/6)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/529/85/img/nr052985.pdf|title=43/6. Observer status for the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean in the General Assembly|date=17 October 1988|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|Flag of the Andean Community of Nations.svg}} [[Andean Community]]
| {{dts|22 Oct 1997}} (A/RES/52/6)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n97/775/51/pdf/n9777551.pdf|title=RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY|date=6 November 1997|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|Flag of the Arab League.svg}} [[Arab League]], formally the League of Arab States<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|1 Nov 1950}} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20140527215732/http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/060/75/IMG/NR006075.pdf?OpenElement A/RES/477 (V)])
|-
| [[ASEAN+3]] Macroeconomic Research Office
| {{dts|7 Dec 2017}} (A/RES/72/126)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n17/433/22/pdf/n1743322.pdf|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assemblyon 7 December 2017|date=18 December 2017|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Asian–African Legal Consultative Organization]]<nowiki>*</nowiki><br>{{small|formerly the Asian–African Legal Consultative Committee}}
| {{dts|13 Oct 1980}} (A/RES/35/2)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/390/21/pdf/nr039021.pdf|title=35/2. Observer status for the Asian–African Legal Consultative Committee in the General Assembly|date=16 September 1980|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|Asian Development Bank logo.svg}} [[Asian Development Bank]]
| {{dts|19 Nov 2002}} (A/RES/57/30)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n02/539/71/pdf/n0253971.pdf|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly|date=20 January 2003|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|AFoCO Flag.png}} [[Asian Forest Cooperation Organization]] (AFoCO)
| {{dts|15 Dec 2020}} (A/RES/75/149)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n20/369/32/pdf/n2036932.pdf|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 15 December 2020|date=22 December 2020|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagicon image|AIIB_logo.svg}} [[Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank]]
| {{dts|20 Dec 2018}} (A/RES/73/216)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n18/459/27/pdf/n1845927.pdf|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assemblyon 20 December 2018|date=11 January 2019|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|Bandera.AEC.jpg}} [[Association of Caribbean States]]
| {{dts|15 Oct 1998}} (A/RES/53/5)<ref name="UN_ARES535">{{UN document |docid=A-RES-53-5 |type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=53 |resolution_number=5 | title=Observer status for the Association of Caribbean States in the General Assembly|accessdate=1 September 2007}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagicon|ASEAN}} [[ASEAN|Association of Southeast Asian Nations]]
| {{dts|4 Dec 2006}} (A/RES/61/44)<ref>{{Cite web |website=United Nations Digital Library |last=Sixty-first session of the United Nations General Assembly |date=2006-12-18 |title=Observer status for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the General Assembly : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/588191 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of CARICOM.svg}} [[Caribbean Community]] (CARICOM)<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|17 Oct 1991}} (A/RES/46/8)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/580/96/img/nr058096.pdf|title=46/8. Observer status for the Caribbean Community in the General Assembly|date=16 October 1991|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flagicon image|Logotipo_CAF_-banco_de_desarrollo_de_AMérica_Latin-.png}} [[CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean]]<br>{{small|formerly the Andean Development Corporation}}
|{{dts|14 Dec 2012}} (A/RES/67/101)<ref>{{cite web|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 14 December 2012 |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/742435/files/A_RES_67_101-EN.pdf |date=14 January 2013|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Central American Bank for Economic Integration]]
| {{dts|13 Dec 2016}} (A/RES/71/157)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Central American Integration System.svg}} [[Central American Integration System]] (SICA)<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|19 Oct 1995}} (A/RES/50/2)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/n95/256/34/img/n9525634.pdf|title=50/2. Observer status for the Central American Integration System in the General Assembly|date=12 October 1995|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program]] (CAREC)
| {{dts|22 Dec 2020}} (A/RES/75/148)
|-
|{{Flagicon image|Central_European_Initiative_logo.png}} [[Central European Initiative]]
| {{dts|13 Jan 2012}} (A/RES/66/111)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.svg}} [[Collective Security Treaty Organization]]
| {{dts|2 Dec 2004}} (A/RES/59/50)
|-
| [[Common Fund for Commodities]]
| {{dts|23 Nov 2005}} (A/RES/60/26)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of the CIS.svg}} [[Commonwealth of Independent States]]
| {{dts|24 Mar 1994}} (A/RES/48/237)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Infobox Commonwealth of Nations flag.svg}} [[Commonwealth Secretariat]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|18 Oct 1976}} (A/RES/31/3)<ref>{{cite web |date=18 October 1976 |title=31/3. Observer status for the Commonwealth Secretariat at the United Nations |url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/301/86/pdf/nr030186.pdf |access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag CPLP.svg}} [[Community of Portuguese Language Countries]]
| {{dts|26 Oct 1999}} (A/RES/54/10)
|-
| [[Community of Sahel–Saharan States]]
| {{dts|12 Dec 2001}} (A/RES/56/92)
|-
|{{Ill|Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Ibero-American Countries|es|Conferencia de Ministros de Justicia de los Países Iberoamericanos}}
| {{dts|21 Dec 2016}} (A/RES/71/153)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Observer status for the Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Ibero-American Countries in the General Assembly : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly |date=21 December 2016 |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/853437 }}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Conference_on_Interaction_and_Confidence-Building_Measures_in_Asia_logo.svg}} [[Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia]]
| {{dts|6 Dec 2007}} (A/RES/62/77)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of Europe.svg}} [[Council of Europe]]
| {{dts|17 Oct 1989}} (A/RES/44/6)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/44/a44r006.htm|title=A/RES/44/6. Observer status for the Council of Europe in the General Assembly|website=United Nations |date=17 October 1989 |access-date=2016-09-27|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060124084947/http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/44/a44r006.htm|archive-date=2006-01-24}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flagicon image|Official_logo_for_D-8_Organization_for_Economic_Cooperation.png}} [[D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation|Developing Eight Countries Organization for Economic Cooperation]]
| {{dts|18 Dec 2014}} (A/RES/69/129)
|-
| [[East African Community]]
| {{dts|9 Dec 2003}} (A/RES/58/86)
|-
| [[Economic Community of Central African States]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|12 Dec 2000}} (A/RES/55/161)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n00/569/05/pdf/n0056905.pdf|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly|date=12 January 2001|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[ECOWAS|Economic Community of Western African States]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|2 Dec 2004}} (A/RES/59/51)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n04/479/32/pdf/n0447932.pdf|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 2 December 2004|date=16 December 2004|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Economic Cooperation Organization]]
| {{dts|13 Oct 1993}} (A/RES/48/2)
|-
| [[Energy Charter Treaty|Energy Charter Conference]]
| {{dts|6 Dec 2007}} (A/RES/62/75)
|-
| [[Eurasian Development Bank]]
| {{dts|6 Dec 2007}} (A/RES/62/76)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Eurasian Economic Union.svg}} [[Eurasian Economic Union]]<br>{{small|formerly the Eurasian Economic Community}}
| {{dts|9 Dec 2003}} (A/RES/58/84)
|-
| {{Ill|Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism|ru|Евразийская группа по противодействию легализации преступных доходов и финансированию терроризма}}
| {{dts|7 Dec 2017}} (A/RES/72/127)
|-
| [[CERN|European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)]]
| {{dts|14 Dec 2012}} (A/RES/67/102)
|-
|[[European Public Law Organization]]
| {{dts|11 Jan 2019}} (A/RES/73/215)
|-
|[[Fund for the Development of the Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean]]
| {{dts|18 Dec 2017}} (A/RES/72/128)
|-
|[[Global Dryland Alliance]]
| {{dts|22 Dec 2020}} (A/RES/75/150)
|-
| [[The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria|Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria]]
| {{dts|16 Dec 2009}} (A/RES/64/122)
|-
| [[Global Green Growth Institute]]
| {{dts|16 Aug 2013}} (A/RES/68/191)
|-
| [[Group of Seven Plus (g7+)|Group of Seven Plus]]
| {{dts|18 Dec 2019}} (A/RES/74/196)
|-
| [[GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development]]
| {{dts|9 Dec 2003}} (A/RES/58/85)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.svg}} [[Gulf Cooperation Council]], formally the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|6 Dec 2007}} (A/RES/62/78)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n07/468/45/pdf/n0746845.pdf|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 6 December 2007|date=8 January 2008|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Hague Conference on Private International Law]]
| {{dts|23 Nov 2005}} (A/RES/60/27)
|-
| [[Ibero-American Summit|Ibero-American Conference]]
| {{dts|23 Nov 2005}} (A/RES/60/28)
|-
| [[Indian Ocean Commission]]
| {{dts|4 Dec 2006}} (A/RES/61/43)
|-
|[[Indian Ocean Rim Association]]
| {{dts|18 Dec 2015}} (A/RES/70/123)
|-
| [[Inter-American Development Bank]]
| {{dts|12 Dec 2000}} (A/RES/55/160)
|-
| [[International Centre for Migration Policy Development]]
| {{dts|19 Nov 2002}} (A/RES/57/31)
|-
|{{flagicon image|Icc-logo.svg}} [[International Chamber of Commerce]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
|{{dts|21 Dec 2016}} (A/RES/71/156)<ref name="UN_ARES71156">[https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/71/156 United Nations General Assembly, Session 71, Resolution 156, '''Observer status for the International Chamber of Commerce in the General Assembly'''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820062231/http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FRES%2F71%2F156|date=2017-08-20}}, accessed 25 September 2017</ref>
|-
| [[International Conference on the Great Lakes Region]] (ICGLR)
| {{dts|16 Dec 2009}} (A/RES/64/123)
|-
| [[Interpol|International Criminal Police Organization]] (Interpol)<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|15 Oct 1996}} (A/RES/51/1)
|-
| [[International Development Law Organization]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|12 Dec 2001}} (A/RES/56/90)
|-
| [[Aral Sea#Institutional bodies|International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea]] (IFAS)
| {{dts|11 Dec 2008}} (A/RES/63/133)
|-
| [[International Hydrographic Organization]]
| {{dts|12 Dec 2001}} (A/RES/56/91)
|-
| [[International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|9 Dec 2003}} (A/RES/58/83)
|-
|[[International Institute for the Unification of Private Law|International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT)]]
| {{dts|18 Dec 2013}} (A/RES/68/121)
|-
| [[International Network for Bamboo and Rattan]]
| {{dts|7 Dec 2017}} (A/RES/72/125)
|-
| {{flagicon image|Flag of La Francophonie.svg}} [[Organisation internationale de la Francophonie|International Organization of the Francophonie]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|10 Nov 1978}} (A/RES/33/18)<ref name="UN_ARES3318">{{UN document |docid=A-RES-33-18 |type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=33 |resolution_number=18 |accessdate=23 September 2010}}</ref><br />18 December 1998 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20081013061736/http://www.undemocracy.com/generalassembly_54/meeting_53 General Assembly decision 53/453])
|-
| {{Flagicon image|International_Renewable_Energy_Agency_Logo.png}} [[International Renewable Energy Agency]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|13 Jan 2012}} (A/RES/66/110)<ref>{{UN document |docid=A-RES-66-110 |type=Resolution |body=General Assembly |session=66 |resolution_number=110 |accessdate=19 October 2023}}</ref>
|-
|[[International Solar Alliance]]
| {{dts|10 Dec 2021}} (A/RES/76/123)<ref>{{Cite news|agency=PTI |url-access=subscription |date=2021-12-10|title=Observer Status granted to International Solar Alliance|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/observer-status-granted-to-international-solar-alliance/article37927868.ece|access-date=2021-12-13|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagicon image|IUCN_logo.svg}} [[International Union for Conservation of Nature]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|17 Dec 1999}} (A/RES/54/195)
|-
|{{Flagicon image|Logo_OIJ-01_opt_(1).png}} {{Ill|International Youth Organization for Ibero-America|es|Organismo Internacional de Juventud para Iberoamérica}}<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|21 Dec 2016}} (A/RES/71/154)
|-
| [[Islamic Development Bank|Islamic Development Bank Group]] (IDB)
| {{dts|28 Mar 2007}} (A/RES/61/259)
|-
| [[Italy–Latin America Conference|Italian–Latin American Institute]]
| {{dts|6 Dec 2007}} (A/RES/62/74)
|-
| [[Latin American Economic System]] (SELA)
| {{dts|13 Oct 1980}} (A/RES/35/3)
|-
| [[Latin American Integration Association]]
| {{dts|23 Nov 2005}} (A/RES/60/25)
|-
| [[Latin American Parliament]]
| {{dts|13 Oct 1993}} (A/RES/48/4)
|-
| [[OPEC Fund for International Development]]
| {{dts|4 Dec 2006}} (A/RES/61/42)
|-
| [[OECD|Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] (OECD)<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|15 Oct 1998}} (A/RES/53/6)
|-
|{{flagicon image|African-Caribbean-And-Pacific-Group-Of-States-ACP-Flag.svg}} [[Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States]]
{{Small|formerly the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States}}
|{{dts|15 Oct 1981}} (A/RES/36/4)
|-
|[[Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States]]
| {{dts|2 Dec 2004}} (A/RES/59/52)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|OIC Logo since 2011.svg}} [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]]<nowiki>*</nowiki><br>{{small|formerly the Organisation of the Islamic Conference}}
| {{dts|10 Oct 1975}} (A/RES/3369 (XXX))
|-
| [[Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation]]
| {{dts|8 Oct 1999}} (A/RES/54/5)
|-
| [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] (OSCE)
| {{dts|13 Oct 1993}} (A/RES/48/5)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Organization of American States.svg}} [[Organization of American States]] (OAS)<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|16 Oct 1948}} (A/RES/253 (III))
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Pacific Islands Forum.svg}} [[Pacific Islands Forum]]
| {{dts|17 Oct 1994}} (A/RES/49/1)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|PAM_LOGO_HR.svg}} [[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|16 Dec 2009}} (A/RES/64/124)
|-
| [[Partners in Population and Development]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|19 Nov 2002}} (A/RES/57/29)
|-
| [[Permanent Court of Arbitration]]
| {{dts|13 Oct 1993}} (A/RES/48/3)
|-
| [[Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States]] (RECSA)
| {{dts|6 Dec 2007}} (A/RES/62/73)
|-
| [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]]
| {{dts|2 Dec 2004}} (A/RES/59/48)
|-
| [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation]]
| {{dts|2 Dec 2004}} (A/RES/59/53)
|-
| [[South Centre (organization)|South Centre]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|11 Dec 2008}} (A/RES/63/131)
|-
| {{flagicon image|Flag of SADC.svg}} [[Southern African Development Community]] (SADC)
| {{dts|2 Dec 2004}} (A/RES/59/49)
|-
| [[Union for the Mediterranean]] (UfM)
| {{dts|18 Dec 2015}} (ARES/70/124)
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Flag of UNASUR.svg}} [[Union of South American Nations]] (UNASUR)
| {{dts|9 Dec 2011}} (A/RES/66/484)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/es/comun/docs/?symbol=A/RES/66/109|title=Documentos oficiales de las Naciones Unidas|website=United Nations|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228154759/http://www.un.org/es/comun/docs/?symbol=A%2FRES%2F66%2F109|archive-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagicon image|Universidad_para_la_Paz.svg}} [[University for Peace]]<nowiki>*</nowiki>
| {{dts|11 Dec 2008}} (A/RES/63/132)
|-
| [[World Customs Organization]]<br>{{small|formerly the Customs Cooperation Council}}
| {{dts|23 Mar 1999}} (A/RES/53/216)
|}

=== Specialized agencies and related organizations ===
Some of UN Specialized agencies and related organizations are having liaison offices at the UN headquarters, some were auto-granted since their establishment (i.e. without passing General Assembly resolutions).
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Organization or entity
! Date observer status was granted
|-
|{{Flagicon image|FAO logo.svg}} [[Food and Agriculture Organization]]
|
|-
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of IAEA.svg}} [[International Atomic Energy Agency]]
|
|-
| {{flagicon image|Flag of the International Criminal Court.svg}} [[International Criminal Court]]
| {{dts|13 Sep 2004}} (A/RES/58/318)<ref name="UN_ARES58318">{{cite web |date=20 September 2004 |title=Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Criminal Court |url=http://www.undemocracy.com/A-RES-58-318.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109004908/http://www.undemocracy.com/A-RES-58-318.pdf |archive-date=2009-01-09 |access-date=11 October 2013 |website=UNdemocracy |series=United Nations General Assembly, Session 58, Resolution 318}}</ref>
|-
|[[International Fund for Agricultural Development]]
|
|-
|{{flagicon image|Flag of ILO.svg}} [[International Labour Organization]]
|
|-
|{{flagicon image|IMF-Seal ENG RGB.svg}} [[International Monetary Fund]]
|
|-
|[[International Organization for Migration]]
|{{dts|16 Oct 1992}} (A/RES/47/4)
|-
|[[International Seabed Authority]]
|{{dts|24 Oct 1996}} (A/RES/51/6)
|-
|{{flagicon image|International Telecommunication Union logo.svg}} [[International Telecommunication Union]]
|
|-
|[[International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea]]
|{{dts|17 Dec 1996}} (A/RES/51/204)
|-
|[[Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization]]
|
|-
|{{flagicon image|Flag of UNESCO.svg}} [[UNESCO|United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]]
|
|-
|{{flagicon image|Flag of UNIDO.svg}} [[United Nations Industrial Development Organization]]
|
|-
|{{flagicon image|World Bank logo.svg}} [[World Bank]]
|
|-
|{{flagicon image|Flag of WHO.svg}} [[World Health Organization]]
|
|-
|[[World Intellectual Property Organization]]
|
|-
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of the World Meteorological Organization.svg}} [[World Meteorological Organization]]
|
|}

===Other entities===
All five entities are maintaining permanent offices at the UN headquarters.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Organization or entity
! Date observer status was granted
|-
| {{flagicon image|Emblem of the ICRC.svg}} [[International Committee of the Red Cross]]
| {{dts|16 Oct 1990}} (A/RES/45/6)<ref name="UN_ARES456">{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/563/95/img/nr056395.pdf|title=46/6. Observer status for the International Committee of the Red Cross, in consideration of the special role and mandates conferred upon it by the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949|date=16 October 1990|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031175241/http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FRES%2F45%2F6 |archive-date=2015-10-31}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|Emblem of the IFRC.svg}} [[International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies]]
| {{dts|19 Oct 1994}} (A/RES/49/2)<ref name="UN_ARES492">{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/767/72/img/nr076772.pdf|title=49/2. Observer status for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the General Assembly|date=19 October 1994|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226033230/http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FRES%2F49%2F2 |archive-date=2017-02-26}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|Olympic flag.svg}} [[International Olympic Committee]]
| {{dts|20 Oct 2009}} (A/RES/64/3)<ref name="UN_ARES643">{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n09/462/01/pdf/n0946201.pdf|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 19 October 2009|date=22 October 2009|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226033227/http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FRES%2F64%2F3 |archive-date=2017-02-26}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|Logo of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.svg}} [[Inter-Parliamentary Union]]
| {{dts|19 Nov 2002}} (A/RES/57/32)<ref name="UN_ARES5732">{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n02/539/83/pdf/n0253983.pdf|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly|date=20 January 2003|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907044443/http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FRES%2F57%2F32 |archive-date=2017-09-07}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon image|Flag of the Order of St. John (various).svg}} [[Sovereign Military Order of Malta]]
| {{dts|24 Aug 1994}} (A/RES/48/265)<ref name="UN_ARES48265">{{cite web|url=https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/704/82/img/nr070482.pdf|title=48/265. Observer status for the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in the General Assembly|date=24 August 1994|access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>
|}

===Former observers===
{| class="wikitable"
! Organization or entity
! Date observer status was granted
! Entity type
|-
|valign=top| {{flagicon image|Flag of South West Africa People's Organisation.svg}} [[SWAPO|South West Africa People's Organization]] (SWAPO)
|valign=top|1976 (A/RES/31/152)<ref name="UN_ARES43160" /><ref>[http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/303/35/IMG/NR030335.pdf?OpenElement UNGA Resolution A/RES/31/152] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728144356/http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/303/35/IMG/NR030335.pdf?OpenElement |date=2011-07-28}} Observer status for the South West Africa People's Organization</ref>
|valign=top|SWAPO, a [[liberation movement]] in [[South West Africa]], held observer status with the right to circulate communications without intermediary beginning in 1976. This terminated in 1990 when the [[Republic of Namibia]] attained independence and was granted full membership in the United Nations and SWAPO was transformed into a [[political party]].
|}

====National liberation movements====
Throughout the 1970s, the General Assembly recognized several [[List of active national liberation movements recognized by intergovernmental organizations|national liberation movements]] as "legitimate representatives" of colonial people, with SWAPO of Namibia and the PLO of Palestine holding non-state observer status at the General Assembly until 1990 and 2012, respectively.<ref name="Polisario">{{Cite journal|title=Accountability for Blood Phosphates: Western Sahara and Canadian Corporate Liability|url=https://www.mcgill.ca/humanrights/files/humanrights/sebastien_o_-_accountability_for_blood_phosphates_13_2.pdf|last=Offredo|first=Sébastien|date=2024|periodical=[[McGill University Faculty of Law|McGill Centre for Human Rights & Legal Pluralism Working Paper Series]]|article-number=13/2|at=12, 37–39}}</ref> The recognition of national liberation movements began in 1972 when the General Assembly invited liberation movements in [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese colonies]] to act as observers in relevant consultations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs.un.org/en/A/RES/2918(XXVII)|title=A/RES/2918(XXVII)}}</ref> In 1974, all national liberation movements recognized by the [[Organisation of African Unity]] were invited to regularly participate as observers in conferences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/3280(XXIX)|title=A/RES/3280(XXIX)}}</ref>

National liberation movements that participated as observers following these resolutions included:<ref name="Polisario"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/td326vol1_en.pdf|title=Proceedings of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Sixth Session, vol. I, Report and Annexes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.un.org/en/A/9023/REV.1[VOL.I](SUPP)|title=Report of the Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: Volume III}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of PAIGC.svg}} [[African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde|PAIGC]] of Guinea and Cabo Verde (1972–1975)
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Mozambique (1974–1975).svg}} [[FRELIMO]] of Mozambique (1972–1975)
* {{flagicon image|Bandeira_da_FNLA.svg}} [[National Liberation Front of Angola|FNLA]] of Angola (1972–1976)
* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_MPLA.svg}} [[MPLA]] of Angola (1972–1976)
* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_African_National_Congress.svg}} [[African National Congress|ANC]] of South Africa (1973–1990)
* {{flagicon image|}} [[Pan Africanist Congress of Azania|PAC]] of South Africa (1973–1990)
* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_ZANU-PF.svg}} [[ZANU–PF]] of Zimbabwe (1973–1975, 1977–1980)
* {{flagicon image|Zimbabwe_African_People's_Union_flag.svg}} [[Zimbabwe African People's Union|ZAPU]] of Zimbabwe (1973–1975)
* {{flagicon image|United_African_National_Council_flag.svg}} [[United African National Council|UANC]] of Zimbabwe (1975–1977)
* {{flagicon image|}} [[Territory of the Comoros#Independence movement|MOLINACO]] of Comoros (1974–1975)

Uniquely, the [[Polisario Front]] of Western Sahara is the only remaining national liberation movement recognized by the General Assembly—an "oddity as an unresolved case of [[decolonization]] and national liberation"—though it has not been granted observer status.<ref name="Polisario"/>

==See also==
{{Portal|Politics}}
* [[Member states of the United Nations]]
* [[List of current permanent representatives to the United Nations]]
* [[List of organizations with consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council]]
* [[:Category:United Nations General Assembly observers]]
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130922014130/http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/dsd/dsd_pdfs/ECOSOC_IGOs.pdf Full list of UNGA and ECOSOC observers with admission resolutions details, January 2010]
* [https://www.un.org/ga/ United Nations General Assembly]
* [https://www.un.org/en/members/index.shtml United Nations missions in New York City]
* [https://www.un.org/en/about-us/about-permanent-observers About Permanent Observers]
* [https://www.un.org/en/about-us/non-member-states Non-Member-States]
* [https://www.un.org/en/about-us/intergovernmental-and-other-organizations Intergovernmental and Other Organizations]
* [https://www.un.org/en/about-us/specialized-agencies Specialized Agencies]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040627015411/http://lib-unique.un.org/lib/unique.nsf/Link/R02020 UN Info Quest – Organizations granted observer status in the General Assembly]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090225074807/http://www.un.int/protocol/bluebook/bb298.pdf Blue Book "Permanent Missions to the United Nations No. 298"] dated March 2008

{{United Nations}}
{{United Nations' relations with its Member States}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:United Nations General Assembly Observers}}
[[Category:United Nations General Assembly observers| ]]
[[Category:United Nations-related lists]]