Internal Working Document for the development of the GEO-7 Intergovernmental and Multi- stakeholder Advisory Group (IMAG) Validation Opinion Regarding the Implementation of its GEO-7 Mandate

The Global Environment Outlook (GEO) is the flagship intergovernmental, expert-led integrated environmental assessment from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which reviews the current state of the global environment, the effectiveness of our policy response and the prospects for the future. It presents the environmental trends for air, climate, water, land and biodiversity, drawing on, but not duplicating, all the major global assessments from international science panels and UN bodies. The assessment also looks at the interactions and feedback loops between social, economic, and environmental drivers to assess different policy responses towards achieving more environmentally sustainable pathways. In accordance with the resolution entitled the “Future of the Global Environment Outlook” adopted by Member States at the resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5), the GEO-7 process should be supported by an Intergovernmental and Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (IMAG). The IMAG will provide advice to UNEP’s Executive Director on the policy relevance of GEO-7 and will help move the process forward.