The case for a UN Environment Organization based in Nairobi, Kenya was the focus of recent informal government consultations.

The consultations, which took place in Berlin, Germany on 27 May 2005, involved officials from 36 countries, the European Commission, UNDP and UNEP. According to IISD Linkages sources, the meeting addressed a range of issues relating to upgrading UNEP into a UN Environment Organization (UNEO), including options for a mandate and budget. There were reportedly suggestions by some countries that the UN General Assembly High-level Plenary Meeting scheduled to take place in September 2005 could initiate a process in the framework of UN reform on the possible establishment of a UNEO. However, some participants expressed concerns that a UNEO could lead to an organization “with enforcement powers” Issues of participation and funding were also raised, with some officials suggesting that a UNEO might require additional funding that could prove to be a burden for developing countries. However, supporters of a UNEO argued that the Organization would not have enforcement powers, and would designed to support full participation and could result in more predictable and adequate funding. The meeting took place on the same day as an article was published by the Environment Ministers of Germany, France and Spain calling for “a strong UN Environment Organization.” The article.