Statement from the African Civil Society Forum to the 24th Session of UNEP Governing Council/ Global Ministerial Environment Forum

1. This statement provides recommendations of the African Regional Civil Society Forum meeting held in Nairobi on 26-27 October 2006 to the 24th Session of UNEP Governing Council. 2. We, representatives of African Civil Society and Major Groups, recognize and appreciate the GC’s and UNEP’s willingness and endeavours to integrate and partner with civil society and major stakeholder groups in pursuing sustainable development globally. We particularly hail the establishment and operationalization of the Civil Society and Major Stakeholders Branch at UNEP and the institutionalization of regional and global civil society forums as part of the preparatory activities and processes intended to inform agenda of GC meetings in line with Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration.