This project is designed to support SUNGO in its role as host for the Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum that is to occur on 29 August 2014 immediately before the International Small Island Developing States Conference that is to be held in Samoa from 1-4 September 2014. As such SUNGO has four principle roles: (i) act as principle host of the pre-conference Forum at the request of the Government of Samoa; (ii) prepare SUNGO members for their participation in the Pre-Conference Major Groups Forum, through the hosting by SUNGO of a meeting of Samoa CSO on 13 August 2014; (iii) Ensure effective participation in the 14 member Major Groups steering committee that is leading the preparations for the pre-conference Forum and remain engaged with the Steering Committee after the Conference to ensure appropriate follow-up; and (iv) undertake follow-up with SUNGO members to encourage civil society organisations in Samoa to implement initiatives and partnership at national level in response to outcomes from the Major Groups Forum and conference.

The project is designed to strengthen the capacity of SUNGO and it members to be able to actively participate in and meet the objectives of the Major Groups & Stakeholders Forum which aims to ?develop and encourage just, accountable, innovative and effective partnerships nationally, regionally and globally?. The project is also consistent with programmatic objectives of the GEF.