UNEP’s Civil Society Unit was created in response to demands from Major Groups and Stakeholders and Member States to further improve the coordination of stakeholder input into UNEP’s work in 2001. In 2013 the Unit, previously known as the Major Groups and Stakeholders Branch, became part of the Secretariat of Governing Bodies.
The unit is responsible for facilitating the participation of accredited civil society organizations in the intergovernmental decision-making process at UNEP. It acts as the liaison office for civil society across UNEP and as the secretariat. It engages with Major Groups and Stakeholders on the way to the United Nations Environment Assembly as well on various projects and programmes.
The Civil Society Unit focuses its activities on the nine Major Groups as defined in Agenda 21 but also works with all other relevant non-governmental stakeholders. Internally, the Unit cooperates closely with UNEP Divisions, UNEP Regional Offices, and relevant offices or units of similar nature in UN sister organizations For any further information, please contact the Civil Society Unit:
- Mr. Ulf Bjornholm - Chief, Civil Society Unit (OIC)
- Ms. Laetitia Zobel - focal point for Latin America and Europe
- Mr. David Ombisi - focal point for North America and West Asia
- Mr. Isaiah Otieno - focal point for Africa and Asia Pacific.
