One
of the fundamental prerequisites for the achievement of sustainable development
is broad public participation in decision-making. Furthermore, in the
more specific context of environment and development, the need for new
forms of participation has emerged (Agenda 21, Chapter 23). The commitment
and genuine involvement of all social groups is critical to the effective
implementation of the objectives, policies and mechanisms in the field
of environment and development. Any policies, definitions or rules affecting
access to and participation by non-governmental organizations in the work
of United Nations institutions or agencies associated with the implementation
of Agenda 21 must apply equally to all major groups (Agenda 21, Chapter
23). In 1992, at the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) or Earth Summit,
Governments agreed on the following definition of Major Groups:
In 2004, UNEP further
enhanced participation of civil society in its work by creating the Major
Groups and Stakeholders Branch. The responsibilities of the Branch include:
Promote active
participation of major groups and stakeholders in the work of UNEP
Promote regional
cooperation and networking with major groups and stakeholders
Coordinate UNEP’s
communication and response to major groups and stakeholders
UNEP has since many
years recognized the importance of engaging Majors Groups and Stakeholders
as partners. UNEP appreciates the perspectives that they bring to the
table, valuable research and advocacy functions they perform and their
role in helping foster long-term, broad-based support for UNEP’s
mission. Majors Groups and Stakeholders can help implement UNEP’s
work programme far beyond UNEP’s capabilities. They can adapt the
global UNEP work programme to national or local realities, and liaise
between UNEP and local communities. They provide scientific, policy and
law expertise necessary for implementation. Majors Groups and Stakeholders
can also act as watchdogs or through advocacy, to foster accountability.
Majors Groups and Stakeholders are also well-placed to raise public awareness
and engage the general public in an informative and educative manner,
creating a multiplier effect. Many civil society organizations are closely
tied to channels of media and can disseminate relevant information effectively.
They can also educate the public, through schools, universities, scientific
institutions, or through targeted campaigns, to raise the awareness of
new generations to their roles and duties so that they become responsible
citizens.
One
of the fundamental prerequisites for the achievement of sustainable development
is broad public participation in decision-making. Furthermore, in the
more specific context of environment and development, the need for new
forms of participation has emerged (Agenda 21, Chapter 23). The commitment
and genuine involvement of all social groups is critical to the effective
implementation of the objectives, policies and mechanisms in the field
of environment and development. Any policies, definitions or rules affecting
access to and participation by non-governmental organizations in the work
of United Nations institutions or agencies associated with the implementation
of Agenda 21 must apply equally to all major groups (Agenda 21, Chapter
23). In 1992, at the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) or Earth Summit,
Governments agreed on the following definition of Major Groups:
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