Case studies

A lack of consensus on a proposal to list three closely-related Thresher Shark species (Pelagic, Bigeye, and Common) on CMS Appendix I resulted in a vote by alphabetical roll call at CMS COP 15.

Procedure for avoiding or managing conflicts of interest in expert groups under the CBD and background document on procedures for addressing potential conflicts of interest in science-policy interfaces.

Example of election of presiding officers by acclamation at the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-2) in 2023.

These case-studies highlight how decision-making by consensus is not always straightforward, with written examples from the UNFCCC and United Nations Conference on Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), and a video example from the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) on plastic pollution.

Includes examples of provisions on elections by secret ballot and video example of election by secret ballot at the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution (INC-2).

Negotiation simulation exercise undertaken during the University of Eastern Finland – UNEP Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements in 2019.

Negotiation simulation exercise undertaken during the University of Eastern Finland – UNEP Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements in 2016.

Negotiation simulation exercise undertaken during the University of Eastern Finland – UNEP Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements in 2013.

Video examples of Saudi Arabia, the Russian Federation and Colombia raising points of order in 2023 and 2025 and written example of the Russian Federation raising a point of order in 2012.