"The most effective way of engaging major groups is at national level. This can be done through national workshops, meetings, networks as well as UNEP’s national committees. We can not rely on the yearly The Global Civil Society Forum and the six regional meetings. Currently, UNEP is invisible at national level and does not have a plan to establish national offices. The role of the steering committee and GCSF is to reach out and establish networks at the national level."

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"NGOs have a lot to learn from each other. Each group has its own dynamics in its organization and operations. Many groups do not often get an opportunity to come together to share views at international level. UNEP provides an excellent opportunity for dialogue. People from different major groups bring messages back to the ground. For example, we can learn from Indigenous Peoples and Trade unions, how they operate; we can establish networks at national, regional and international levels among other issues."

"Business is part of civil society. There are different sizes of businesses. In particular, multinational businesses have a global output, and they have a responsibility to work according to internationally acceptable rules, regulations and standards in order to enable sustainable business practices. This includes how to recognize the environment and ecosystems as well as how to deal with employees and their families. We also believe some key problems addressed in this forum can only be addressed through private-public partnerships, but the rules have to be clear and agreed upon – otherwise there would be no results."

"UNEP’s Chemicals work is extremely important and beneficial to the whole world. In addition to continuing with the work already being carried out with respect to Chemicals Paps and Rotterdam Conventions, the issue of heavy metals, which will be considered in the coming week, is also very important. The Governing Council needs to consider endorsing a strong heavy metals programme, particularly on mercury. We believe that abiding by conventions is the best approach, although some countries do not have the necessary political will. But we need to recognize that the chemical issue cuts across boundaries worldwide. Hence the need for UNEP’s involvement. "

"I believe that the best way to redefine the role of UNEP is to, firstly, take it back to its roots, that is to its original mission, and second to accept the new roles that are defined in the new world because many things have changed in 30 years... UNEP, I believe certainly, should be the leading environment organization in the world in the full sense of the word. It should take back the leading role and in this way, will be revitalized."

"From a historical point of view, major groups have a lot of potential. There is great capacity for civil society to unify and make things happen.  The biggest challenge is to apply more pressure on Governments than ever before.  Well, I come from a trade unions organization. So it is the question of workers at the workplace level engaging with their employer and doing things to protect the environment. So then that’s the connection. And of course workers cannot do it very much at the workplace without the connection with Civil Society and their own communities. So this is why we’re here."

"My expectation is to see more action.  Indigenous People have in the past been marginalized and viewed negatively.  They now need to be given a voice.  I expect the government to recognize indigenous peoples and their role in policy issues. Indigenous People are well placed to understand environmental issues from the root and are key contributors to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)."

"The CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation Relationship with UNEP.  As an environmental organization, UNEP is best placed to coordinate the activities of major groups as it provides a forum to discuss and address various environmental issues at national, regional and international levels. "