MGCY Recommendations on Upgraded Participation for Civil Society at UNEP

1. Direct participation

·        Allow civil society to make statements on outcome and discussions, as a continuation of the practice during Rio+20

·        Grant the right to vote to MG

·        Ensure equal participation from all regions

·        Make it mandatory for government delegations to include youth delegates

2. External participation

·        More UNEP forums without accreditation for a more open process

·        Include youth participation in UNEP regional consultations

3. Capacity

·        UNEP funding for youth activities, to ensure participation for those who are unable financially, and to ensure other sources of funding does not limit criticism

·        Encourage youth participation

4. Effectiveness

·        More translation tools

·        Increase cooperation between Tunza initiative and MGCY

·        Increase cooperation between the same major groups of different UN branches

5. Outreach

·        Increased and better listening of the broader environmental movement, including radical ideas and those that are critical of the UN system

·        Increase accessibility and clearness of information, including a straightforward indication of the current status and targets to be achieved

·        Include youth from informal sectors

·        Include faith-based organizations

6. Evaluation and follow-up of participation

·        A second civil society forum after GC to decide on plan of action

·        Get youth involved not only in participation, but also in implementation

·        Create a platform or mechanism of follow-up to ensure that what we have discussed is not repeated unnecessarily at every GC.

Intervention made during Session 4 of the 14th Global Major Groups Stakeholder Forum on Saturday February 16 2013. Nairobi, Kenya.