Multi-stakeholder dialogues (MSD) have become a significant component of the sustainable development process. The idea and format derive from deliberations at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. MSDs enable direct interaction between governments and other stakeholders on specific topics, and have been increasingly accepted as part of the official inter-governmental process rather than as an ancillary event taking place on the margins of negotiations. The dialogues provide opportunities for major groups to share their concerns, experiences and proposals in specific areas and to discuss them with governments. Such exchanges help to promote meaningful participation among all stakeholder groups and governments in the intergovernmental decision-making process. Based on the democratic principles of transparency and participation, the aim of a MSD is to build consensus among stakeholders and to develop partnerships and strengthened networks among them.

For more information about multi-stakeholder dialogues please visit: www.un.org/esa/sustdev/mgroups/msdialog.htm