The Marrakech Process

Launched in 2003, the Marrakech Process is a global and informal multi-stakeholder platform that supports the implementation of projects and strategies on sustainable consumption and production and the elaboration of a Global Framework for Action on SCP, commonly known as the 10-Year Framework on Programmes on SCP (10 YFP). It was created in response to Chapter III of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

UNEP and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) are the joint Secretariat of this global process, with an advisory committee and active participation of national governments, development agencies, major groups and stakeholders.

The Marrakech Process has seven task forces focusing on specific SCP issues. They are led by governments. The themes of the task forces are listed below:

• Sustainable Lifestyles (Sweden);
• Sustainable Product Policies (United Kingdom);
• Co-operation with Africa (Germany);
• Sustainable Procurement (Switzerland);
• Sustainable Tourism (France);
• Sustainable Buildings and Construction (Finland);
• Education for Sustainable Consumption (Italy).

Phases of the Marrakech Process

Sustainable consumption and production carries different meanings and presents different challenges around the world. As a result, the Marrakech Process employs a participative and bottom-up approach. One of the main objectives of the Marrakech Process is to develop a proposal for a 10 Year Framework of Programmes on SCP (10YFP) which will be reviewed by the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) during the 2010/11 biennial cycle. The proposed 10YFP needs to move the SCP agenda further and aims to be an international framework of programmes and actions that support regions, countries and a range of stakeholders to accelerate the shift towards SCP. The development of the 10 YFP is comprised of five phases:

• SCP NEEDS and PRIORITIES
  Organizing regional Consultations to identify needs and priorities for SCP
• STRATEGIES and OWNERSHIP
  Building regional strategies and implementation mechanisms
• IMPLEMENTATION
  Implementing concrete programmes and projects at all levels with the Task Forces
• EVALUATION and COOPERATION
  Evaluating progress, exchanging information and encouraging international coordination
• 10 YEAR FRAMEWORK OF PROGRAMMES ON SCP

In preparation for the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Commission on Sustainable Development 18 (CSD 18), which took place in May 2010 in New York, the governments of the United States and Canada produced national reports highlighting their SCP initiatives.

The following documents were published: (downloadable)

• The United States National Report on Transport, Chemicals, Waste Management, Mining and Sustainable Consumption and Production (2010)
• Canada’s Report on Sustainable Consumption and Production (2010)

For further information, the following documents are available for download:

• Marrakech Process brochure
• Frequently Asked Questions: The Marrakech Process
• Paving the way to Sustainable Consumption and Production: The Marrakech Process Progress Report
• Secretary General’s Report from the 18th session of the Commission of Sustainable Development (CSD 18)
• The Chair’s Summary of CSD 18
• The Third Draft of 10 YFP

More information on the Marrakech Process can be found here:

• UNEP-DTIE Webpage on the Marrakech Process
• UNEP-UNDESA Joint Website