UN Environment Programme (UNEP) recognizes the importance of engaging Major Groups and other Stakeholders as partners and appreciates the perspectives they bring to the table. They provide valuable research and advocacy functions, and they help foster long-term, broad-based support for UNEP’s mission.

Intergovernmental decisions will have stronger and broader recognition and support by the public if governments take Major Groups and other Stakeholders views into account as early as possible in policy-making and decision-making processes. Major Groups and other Stakeholders also play a direct role in the formation of policy as researchers, think-tanks, and watchdogs, or through advocacy.

The interaction between the UNEP and civil society has grown significantly in the past decade. Now over 500 NGOs have formal consultative status. 

Organizations who want to seize this opportunity and make their voice heard at UNEP can get directly involved by applying for Accreditation to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). This grants observer status to UNEA.

For more information, see: