It culminates in a high-level segment for environment ministers Thursday and Friday. Toepfer, who formerly served as Germany's environment minister, noted the impacts of the recent economic and financial shocks in Southeast Asia and Latin America on the global environmental agenda. He said economic fluctuations should not result in long-term reversal of environment policy or the belief that environmental protection is dispensable. Speaking to press after his address, Toepfer said that the budget requested represents only a modest increase on the current two-year budget that is to make up for inflation. Especially when you consider the increased demands on the organisation with our expanded mandate.
Delegates talk informally in the main meeting hall.
Toepfer also proposed that the Council takes up the precedent offered by the Aarhus Convention on the right to public access of environmental information. In his policy statement, Toepfer said the complexity of the new international environment heightens the need for international institutions that are adequately equipped, flexible and responsive to the emerging challenges. Youth delegates outline their plans. To compensate for limited capacity within the organization itself, UNEP must increasingly engage all nations, nongovernmental organisations, corporations and individuals in developing the basis for environmental policy making and action by developing strategic partnerships and networks. They called for youth involvement in legislation of environmental laws and for strengthened support of the UNEP youth programme.