United Nations Environment Programme

Civil Society

Major Groups and Stakeholders

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:

Farmers
Women
- Gender and the Environment
- Who's Who of Women and the Environment
- Women As the Voice for the Environment
The Scientific and Technological community
Children and Youth
Indigenous peoples and their communities
Workers and Trade Unions
Business and Industry
Non-Governmental Organizations
Local Authorities
- Urban Envrionment

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

For many years, UNEP has 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.