21 February 2011: The 12th session of the Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF-12), which was held from 19-20 February 2011, in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed to provide a platform for information exchange and consultation on key environmental issues to be addressed by member States during the 26th session of the UNEP Governing Council and Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC-26/GMEF).

Organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) the event brought together over 100 participants and was convened in advance of the GC-26/GMEF, convening from 22-24 February at the same venue. Discussions focused on international environmental governance (IEG), green economy and partnerships with major groups and stakeholders towards Rio 2012. On IEG, participants called for the mainstreaming and enhancement of the substantive engagement of Major Groups in the IEG process. On green economy, participants supported calls for broader societal change.

Key consolidated messages from the nine Major Groups represented included: a call for civil society participation and government transparency and accountability in all efforts towards Rio 2012; the need for IEG reform to strengthen and achieve environmental justice; the need to web cast the GMGSF to allow for greater stakeholder participation; a call from the Children and Youth for a clear focus on the tipping points in the biodiversity debates and the climate change debate; and a call to all governments to engage strongly and constructively in Rio 2012 and take leadership in the process. [IISD RS Coverage] [UNEP Meeting Website]