The Eleventh Session of the Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF) will be held from 21-22 February 2010, prior to the 11th Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council/ Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GCSSXI/GMEF) scheduled for 24-26 February 2010, in Bali Indonesia. The name of Global Civil Society Forum has been replaced with GMGSF to be more inclusive of all stakeholders.

The objective of the GMGSF is to provide a platform for exchange and consultation on key environmental issues to be addressed by the Member States during the GCSSX1/GMEF, and to facilitate Major Groups’ contribution to the GC/GMEF and other international environmental fora.

In the process leading to the 11th Special Session of the Governing Council/ Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GCSSXI/GMEF), and as per the rule 69 of the rules of procedures of the UNEP Governing Council, organizations accredited to UNEP receive the unedited working documents of the UNEP Governing Council sessions at the same time as the Committee of the Permanent Representatives (CPR), for their review and comments. This consultation with civil society prior to the Governing Council provides an opportunity for civil society to contribute to the discussions on thematic and policy issues.

This year’s session will include the traditional dialogue with Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP and discuss the following key topics:

1. Relevant issues emerging from the Extraordinary Conference of Parties (ExCOPs) of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (ExCOP meeting 22-24 February 2010, Bali Indonesia)
   
   
2. Environment in the Multilateral System:
   1. International Environmental Governance and Sustainable Development
   2. The Green Economy
   3. Biodiversity and Ecosystems
      
      
3. Documentation
   
   1. Agenda GMGSF - 11
   2. The Major Groups Facilitation Committee (MGFC)
   3. GCSSX1/GMEF Background Documents
   4. Schedule of UNEP and MEAs Meetings
   5. GCSF Proceedings
   6. Key messages
   7. Green room
   
   
4. Logistical Infomation/Accomodation
   
   a. Information for Participants
   b. Hotel pre-registration forms