CYMG has a unique institutional framework organized around an Assembly, the Committee of Accredited Organizations (CAO), Global Steering Committee (GSC), Operations Facilitation Team (OFT), Working Groups, Regional Groups and other constituted, subsidiary and affiliated bodies.
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Assembly constitutes the entirety of CYMG. It consists of all members (entities and individuals) and all structures. It serves as the primary avenue for decision-making within the constituency
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Committee of the Accredited Organizations (CAO) is a key governance body within CYMG. It is composed of representatives from the organizations accredited to UNEP and UNEP-administered MEAs and Frameworks. It serves as the decision-making body for reviewing and guiding the administrative functions of CYMG.
Global Steering Committee (GSC) is the body that provides strategic direction and oversight for the programmatic, policy, and substantive functions of the CYMG. It comprises Global Coordinators (GCs), Focal Points of the Working Groups and Regional Groups, and representatives from other constituted, subsidiary and affiliated organs.
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Operations Facilitation Team (OFT) is an essential support body that plays a crucial role in complementing the efforts of the Global Coordinators, Committee of Accredited Organizations (CAO), and Global Steering Committee (GSC) within the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG). Composed of peer-selected youth members, the OFT is responsible for a broad spectrum of tasks, including general administration, social media outreach, IT support, graphic design, financial record-keeping, logistical coordination for events, and membership management. As the secretariat of CYMG, the OFT ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the group, driving the continual growth and impact of CYMG's initiatives.
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Policy Coordination Group (PCG) is an open working group within the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG), composed of Focal Points and thematic group/platform leads as ex-officio members, with participation open to other interested CYMG members working on thematic workstreams. Serving as a consultative body, the PCG facilitates interaction and coordination on key thematic issues, including the preparation of negotiations. It plays a crucial role in ensuring policy coherence and alignment across CYMG, contributing to the development of collective policy positions.
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Working Groups within the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) are subsidiary organs designed to provide dedicated space for members to collaborate on specific topics aligned with the engagement avenues of the constituency. Thematic Focal Points directly coordinate and support the functions of their respective groups, ensuring their alignment with the broader goals of CYMG. Currently, CYMG has 12 working groups, except PCG:
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Chemicals, Waste and Pollution
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Children Affairs
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Disaster, Climate and Resilience
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Eco-Faith
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Environmental Health
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Environmental Law & Rights
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Green Economy & Resources
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Nature and Ecosystems
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Ozone and Clean Air
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Plastic Action
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Science-Policy
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Sustainable Finance
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Regional Groups within the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) are established to provide a platform for members to engage on environmental issues specific to their geographic regions. These groups allow for tailored discussions, initiatives, and actions that reflect regional priorities and challenges, ensuring that the diverse voices within CYMG are represented and heard.These groups play a crucial role in fostering regional collaboration, facilitating cross-regional exchange, and contributing to the global impact of CYMG's work.