The European Regional Preparatory meeting and Annual meeting of UNEP National Committees (NATCOM’s) partner NGOs took place in Geneva, Switzerland from 31 October to 2 November 2005, at the International Environment House.

Participants listened to presentations during the three days and discussions were moderated by Chair Frits Schlingemann, Regional Representative and Director from UNEP, assisted by co-chair Felix Dodds from Stakeholder Forum.
Presentations highlighted the extensive participation that the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) had in previous Forums but stressed the further need for CSOs’ training and preparation in the agenda setting process. Participants also learnt about the different ways in which civil society can participate in the Forum, from regional meetings and regional statements to production of papers and preparation from accredited CSOs to attend the meeting, circulate written statements and make interventions. Participants were then briefed on the Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Transfer and Capacity Building and its implementation in the ECE region.
There were also presentations and discussions on the Ministerial Consultation themes for the Ninth Special Session of the UNEP GC/GMEF (chemical management, energy and environment and tourism and environment). Other briefings on international and regional processes took place, including on the UN World Summit, the role of women and challenges for implementing the MDGs, public participation in the implementation of other Conventions (Carpathian, Caspian and Aarhus), and NGO perspectives on education for sustainable development. Challenges, lessons learned and experiences in the UN-Civil Society Relations and UNEP and Civil Society engagement were also presented, before a regional statement was adopted at the end of the meeting (IISD sources).
The meeting was one in a series of regional events scheduled for October and November 2005.
Link to further information
The 7th Global Civil Society Forum