UNEP–Stakeholder Forum Partnership: Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement at UNEA-7 and Beyond.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in November 2025. This partnership builds on previous cooperation and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening inclusive, transparent, and participatory environmental governance, as well as advancing sustainable development globally.
Strengthening Engagement for UNEA-7 and the 2030 Agenda Review:
Under this partnership, the first joint activity under this partnership focuses on enhancing civil society and stakeholder engagement in the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), as well as in the 2027 Review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This capacity-building initiative aims to strengthen stakeholder participation in key global environmental processes, particularly those linked to the environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports a coordinated and forward-looking approach to stakeholder engagement during the current review cycle of the 2030 Agenda, while also initiating dialogue on priorities beyond 2030.
Key Outputs and Resources:
A central component of this collaboration is the development of practical tools and knowledge resources to strengthen stakeholder engagement. These include:
- A Pocket Guide to Environment and Sustainable Development Governance (Third Edition) - a key resource designed to improve understanding of environmental governance processes and support effective participation by civil society and other stakeholders.
- A Primer for Stakeholders Engaging in the 2027 Review of the 2030 Agenda - developed to guide stakeholders in preparing for the 2027 SDG review, with a focus on environmentally relevant SDGs and strategic engagement opportunities.
These outcome documents form part of the joint activity aimed at enhancing stakeholder contributions to UNEA-7 and the broader 2027 SDG review process. Links to both resources are available on the page below:
UNEP–Stakeholder Forum Partnership Page: https://www.unep.org/civil-society-engagement/partnerships/stakeholder-forum-sustainable-future-sta…
Capacity Building and Engagement Activities:
The initiative also supports a range of engagement activities, including:
- Capacity-building workshops during UNEA-7 for new and existing stakeholders
- Awareness-raising on the 2027 Review of the 2030 Agenda
- Opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders, Member States and UNEP
Looking Ahead:
Through this partnership, UNEP and the Stakeholder Forum aim to foster stronger, more inclusive stakeholder participation in environmental decision-making processes. The collaboration contributes to advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and promotes inclusive approaches to sustainable development governance at both global and regional levels.
