The 8th Global Civil Society Forum (GCSF-8) gathered more than 160 participants from 65 countries in Nairobi, Kenya, from 3-4 February 2007, to discuss policy issues related to water and the environment, gender and the environment, chemicals management, and globalization, ecosystem services and human well-being.

For the first time in GCSF history, participants engaged in an open dialogue with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, during which Achim Steiner said that civil society organizations have a significant opportunity to assist UNEP in articulating a response to climate change, degradation of natural resources, and unsustainable use of ecosystems. Participants also prepared input into the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum ministerial roundtables, to which civil society representatives have been granted access for the first time.
Links to further information
UNEP press release, 3 February 2007
IISD RS coverage