UN environmental agency grants IICCI observer status

The Indo-OIC-Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) has been accredited as an “Observer" organisation by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The decision was made in March but was officially announced on April 21, 2018.

In a statement signed by Dr. Thiyagu N. Nagara, the executive director-IICCI, Prof. Dr. Mohammed Seraj Ansari expressed his gratitude to UNEP for this milestone.

"The IICCI Chamber would like to work together with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) so that UNEP can strongly pursue a country-driven approach in its operations," the statement read in part.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

"The Indo-OIC-Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) welcomes this opportunity to provide input to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Body on the modalities of observer participation in the work of the UNEP Governing Body and Its other organs. As the focal point for the business constituency at National Chambers, IICCI has gained experience working with Parties," read the statement from IICCI.

IICCI has also served as global business voice in numerous other inter-governmental forums relating to sustainability, including the CFC, GCF etc.

This long experience has allowed the body to help develop and extend important informal channels for discussion and dialogue between business and the UNEP.

These have evolved over the past years, and have included dialogue with the Experts Group on Technology Transfer and the new Technology Mechanism, participation in in-session workshops etc.

IICCI noted: "Given this role for business, we continue to believe that new channels for input from business via observer organisations are warranted as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) moves into implementation and creates new structures that will depend on business connections and partnerships to be effective."