Phase I of the Forum is officially underway today. This part of the Forum aims to extract lessons from the experiences 
and insights of the first generation of global environmental leaders, including Maurice Strong, Mostafa Tolba, John W. McDonald, and Bill Ruckelshaus.
The debate that characterized the morning session was, lively, energetic, and productive. What is truly remarkable about the founding generation is that even after four decades of working on environmental governance issues, they have retained their idealism and their passion for these issues. Despite all of the challenges and setbacks over the years, they still firmly believe that the system can be reformed and can ultimately function. Their vision is both powerful and contagious.
One specific topic that was explored was how to strengthen the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). The discussion touched on everything from environmental ministers, funding, and mandates to leadership. As one participant memorably noted, “there is enough money and knowledge in the world to save it, but not enough leadership.”
Over the next few days, we will see if this Forum can do something about that.
