The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has convened six regional civil society consultations in preparation for the 9th UNEP Global Civil Society Forum (GCSF) and the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum, which will take place on 19 and 20-22 February 2008, respectively, in Monaco.

Participants at each consultation discussed “Globalization and the Environment: Mobilizing Finance to meet the Climate Challenge,” considered proposed changes for the Global Civil Society Forum Steering Committee, and heard a report on the UNEP Medium Term Strategy.
In relation to the latter, John Scanlon, Special Advisor to the Executive Director, UNEP, introduced (via teleconference) the background on the UNEP Medium Term Strategy for the period 2010-2013, noting that it was prepared at the request of the Governing Council in February 2007 and in consultation with a Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR). He said it currently is 25 pages long, but is intended to be approximately 15 pages in its final form. It identifies six areas for UNEP leadership: climate change, ecosystem management, environmental governance, hazardous substances, natural disasters, and resource efficiency. Emphasis is placed on the role of scientific policy advice, collaboration and governance, among others. Scanlon reported that the draft Strategy will be made publically available when it is released as part of the documentation for the Governing Council meeting in February 2008.
Link to further information
UNEP 2007 Regional Civil Society Consultations webpage