New York, 12 February 2015

Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) has been endorsed for Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The decision, which goes into effect in July 2015, was taken at the opening of the Regular Session of ECOSOC committee, which concluded last week at the UN Headquarters in New York.

 

At the end of a rigorous procedure, an ECOSOC statement explained that the decision had been taken “on the basis of such criteria as the applicant’s mandate, governance and financial regime.” This status qualifies AFED to attend meetings and issue statements at the UN Council sessions. As organization with ECOSOC Consultative Status, AFED will be able to designate representatives with annual passes to UN premises, mainly the UN Headquarters in New York, Geneva and Vienna, and regional commissions, which facilitates active participation in intergovernmental and special meetings. AFED had previously been accredited to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and enjoys Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Commission of the League of Arab States.

 

AFED Secretary General Najib Saab commented that “this new recognition will not only allow AFED an international scope to carry out its mission, but will also open new horizons for AFED members from all segments to interact on sustainable development issues at the highest levels.”