Handbook for Stakeholder Engagement at the United Nations Environment Programme

The English version of the document was updated in 2026. However, the French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian versions are translations of the 2020 English edition. Therefore, these versions do not reflect the updates made to the English version in 2026.

This Handbook aims to inform and guide Major Groups and Stakeholders by presenting in detail the currently applied rules, mechanisms, and practices for Major Groups and Stakeholders engagement in the work of the United Nations Environment Programme. It is based on the Rules of Procedure of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme. It contains ten sections covering the United Nations Environment Assembly and Its Subsidiary Organs, Engagement Approach, Accreditation, Participation in Agenda-Setting and Decision-Making Processes, Access to Information, the Major Groups and Stakeholders Body – Spaces and Roles, Expert Input and Advice and Partnerships for Implementation, Funding for Stakeholder Engagement at the United Nations Environment Programme, the Code of Conduct at Meetings Hosted by the United Nations, and the United Nations Environment Programme’s Civil Society Unit.

Note: The English version of the document was updated in 2026. However, the French, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian versions are translations of the 2020 English edition. Therefore, these versions do not reflect the updates made to the English version in 2026.