The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has appointed an external member to serve on its three-person Access to Information Panel, which monitors the implementation of UNEP's revised policy on the issue.
According to UNEP, the policy seeks to balance the need to grant the public maximum access to information in UNEP's possession, including environmental information, and UNEP's obligation to respect confidentiality of information regarding its member States, partners, employees and other parties.
30 June 2016: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has appointed an external member to serve on its three-person Access to Information Panel, which monitors the implementation of UNEP’s revised policy on the issue. According to UNEP, the policy seeks to balance the need to grant the public maximum access to information in UNEP’s possession, including environmental information, and UNEP’s obligation to respect confidentiality of information regarding its member States, partners, employees and other parties.
Carole Excell, Project Director of The Access Initiative (TAI) at the World Resources Institute (WRI), was appointed to serve a two-year term alongside UNEP representatives Jochem Zoetelief and Sara Rahman.
To enhance transparency and openness, the UNEP Governing Council, at its 27th session in February 2013, requested the UNEP Executive Director to establish a written policy on access to information. The policy was put in place on 6 June 2014, and a revised version was issued on 28 January 2016.
WRI commended UNEP in adding an external representative, saying this will enhance the Panel’s legitimacy and independence. Alexander Juras, Chief of UNEP’s Major Groups and Stakeholders Branch, welcomed Excell as a key contributor to the policy. [UNEP Press Release] [UNEP Access to Information Webpage]