The 24th session of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC-24/GMEF) convened from 5-9 February, in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together over 1000 participants from 141 countries.

Discussions focused on emerging policy issues of globalization and the environment, and UN reform. GC-24/GMEF adopted 15 decisions on issues pertaining to, inter alia: the world environmental situation; international environmental governance; chemicals; South-South cooperation; waste management; UNEP’s updated water policy and strategy; and support to Africa in environmental management and protection. One significant outcome was the establishment of an ad hoc open-ended working group to assess options for enhanced voluntary measures and new international legal instruments on mercury. At ministerial consultations on globalization and environment, it was suggested that UNEP contribute to the global trade dialogue through collaboration with the World Trade Organization. The consultations on UN reform stressed the need to reform the institutional framework for UN environmental activities, with many supporting the transformation of UNEP into a UN Environment Organization (UNEO) and others noting that the question of the appropriate institutional framework remains open.

Links to further information
UNEP press release, 9 February 2007
IISD RS coverage