Major Groups and Stakeholders have been key contributors to the implementation the mandate of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for almost 50 years. UNEP strives to ensure effective, broad and balanced participation of Major Groups and Stakeholders by partnering with the following nine Major Groups:
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Business and industry
The implementation of sustainable development will depend to a large degree on the active engagement of the private sector. UNEP recognizes that the active participation of the private sector, represented by the Business and Industry Major Group, is essential to achieve sustainable development.
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Children and Youth
Children and Youth are advocates for future generations. As the issues we are addressing today will have a deep impact on present and future generations, the contributions of the Children and Youth Major Group are indispensable for UNEP’s work on policy and programmatic level.
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Farmers
Farmers, including small-scale farmers and fishers, pastoralists and foresters, can make important contributions to sustainable development through production activities that are environmentally sound, enhance food security and the livelihood of the poor, and invigorate production and sustained economic growth.
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Indigenous peoples and their communities
UNEP recognizes the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ participation as well as the valuable inputs that these holders of Indigenous knowledge – gained through trans-generational experiences, observations and transmission - can contribute to sustainable ecosystem management and development.
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Local authorities
Local Governments, represented by the Local Authority Major Group, have an important role in environmental matters and can help to implement global agreements, influence policy and also contribute to safeguarding global common goods. Being close to people and local issues, they are important partners for implementation.
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Non-governmental organizations
The non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Major Group is the most diverse and has the highest number of accredited organizations with UNEP and with the UN system in general. NGOs make valuable contributions in promoting sustainable development through their experience, expertise and capacity.
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The Scientific and Technological Community
The Scientific and Technological Major Group provides governments, policy makers and society the understanding of the limitations and parameters imposed by the laws of Nature and indicates what is scientifically and technologically achievable.
Read more on the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group
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Women
Women, play a vital role in achieving sustainable development through promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Women stand at the front-line in terms of poverty, yet they provide invaluable contributions to sustaining communities around the world and managing the Earth’s biodiversity and natural resources.
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Workers and Trade unions
Due to their central role in promoting fundamental values such as equity, fairness and inclusiveness, the participation of the Workers and Trade Unions Major Group is crucial to addressing sustainable development in all three pillars.
To facilitate engagement and to ensure representation, each Major Group elects two facilitators. These 18 facilitators compose UNEP’s Major Groups Facilitating Committee (MGFC). The MGFC is not a decision-making body but it provides guidance and coordinates the engagement of Major Groups with UNEP.
It is supported by 12 Regional Facilitators (two for each of the six UNEP regions) who participate as observers in the MGFC meetings.
