June 2007: The latest proposals for improving international environmental governance (IEG) were the focus of a panel discussion held in New York, US, on 21 June 2007, hosted by the Center for UN Reform Education. The session, which was attended by UN officials and civil society representatives, involved presentations on a new options paper from the Co-Chairs of the informal consultative process on the UN’s environmental activities and a French perspective on a possible UN Environment Organization (UNEO).

Benito Jimenez (Mexico) outlined the recommendations in the new Options Paper, and explained that the paper takes a two-tier approach, with a first set of options and seven “building blocks” that he suggested could be implemented quickly. He said that changes in these areas could be undertaken within existing mandates and institutional frameworks. Jimenez then outlined a second tier of issues relating to the broader transformation of the governance system, including the possibility of transforming the UN Environment Programme into a UNEO. He noted that this was likely to require ongoing discussions. On future steps, he indicated that informal consultations on the new paper would be held over the next two months, with the possibility of the General Assembly holding a stocktaking meeting in early September 2007.

Laurent Pic (France) presented the French Government’s perspective on the UNEO proposal, stressing that the French had proposed a UNEO because the current system was not equipped to meet the world’s growing environmental challenges. He noted the need for more scientific assessment and better coordination within the UN system, said the Environmental Management Group had not been fulfilling its role in a very effective way, and noted the proliferation of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Outlining general principles for UNEO, he said it should be “based on UNEP,” be the environmental pillar of the UN, and be headquartered in Nairobi. He also felt that UNEO could play a coordinating role among the MEAs. Regarding sustainable development governance, he said the environment pillar is currently the weakest and needs strengthening, and noted ongoing problems with the Commission on Sustainable Development.
Hilary French, Worldwatch Institute, presented an historic perspective on the governance debate and suggested that these treaties had so far not prevented the further deterioration of the environment. She stressed that MEAs must address domestic national considerations and find ways to overcome vested interests, citing the Kyoto Protocol’s market mechanisms as a way to engage the private sector. An NGO speaker expressed concern at the shift in how UN conferences and processes are now organized. He supported a return to the Rio “Earth Summit” model that involved a comprehensive and inclusive preparatory process. He also endorsed a formal process to consider a UNEO. [IISD RS sources] [Meeting webpage, 21 June 2007]