Science-policy interface at UNEP
The UNEP logo at the Governing Council meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, February 2013. Photo: ICSU/Peter Bates
The Science-policy interface at UNEP after Rio+20
The Rio+20 agreement includes a call to improve the science-policy interface at UNEP:
88 (d) Promote a strong science-policy interface, building on existing international instruments, assessments, panels and information networks, including the Global Environment Outlook, as one of the processes aimed at bringing together information and assessment to support informed decision-making;
The agreement also calls for enhancing the participation of non-governmental stakeholders more generally.
ICSU is working with UNEP on both of these issues, with a focus on how best to improve the science-policy interface in the organisation. Concrete proposals should be on the table for the next UNEP Governing Council in early 2014.
The UNEP Governing Council and Major Groups and Stakeholder Forum
Each year UNEP's member states come together at the annual UNEP Governing Council (GC) to review, discuss and decide on the strategy and activities of UNEP. Prior to the GC, UNEP also holds a 2-day Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF), in which civil society groups, including the science and technology community, meet to discuss issues relevant to the GC, and to formulate positions and statements to be delivered at the GC. As an organising partner for the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group ICSU is responsible for coordinating scientists at the GMGSF and for delivering statements to the GC.
In 2013, the UNEP Governing Council took place from 18-22 February 2013 in Nairobi, Kenya. The main topic of discussion was how to operationalise the decisions on UNEP made at Rio+20. The UNEP Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum took place 16-17 February 2013.
Related links
- Summary from the First Universal Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum
- The 14th UNEP Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum
ICSU coordinates the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), working with the Gulf Research Centre.
