This issue of “Perspectives” presents a discourse between Mark Halle and Felix Dodds on the past and future role of civil society organisations and Major Groups and Stakeholders in the context of the United Nations Environment Programme. It is not meant to give the ultimate answer to how UNEP can best engage with non-state actors but is rather a primer to initiate and enrich a discussion on this topic among interested stakeholders, including in the context of the newly established United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).