Background
At the first United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 - known as the Earth Summit, it was recognised that achieving sustainable development would require the active participation of all sectors of society and all types of people. Agenda 21, adopted at the Earth Summit, drew upon this sentiment and formalised nine sectors of society as the main channels through which broad participation would be facilitated in UN activities related to sustainable development. These are officially called "Major Groups"
They have since been expanded to include additional rights-holder groups like older people, people with disabilities, migrants, and sectors of society like philanthropies, education & academia and volunteers. They are collectively referred to as Major Groups and other Stakeholders and are referred to in several UN General Assembly resolutions including the 2030 Agenda.
Mandate
The MGCY received its primary mandates directly from several general assembly resolutions. Some of these include Agenda 21, GA Resolution 67/290 on the HLPF, and the 2030 Agenda. It also has bilateral agreements and/or terms of reference with specific entities in the UN system.
Governance
In addition to the governance requirements of mandated position (all of which are either elected or peer selected) that are outlined in the MGCY Process and Procedures, the MGCY has reporting obligations towards the UN system, some of which are established in resolutions of international soft law.
The MGCY is required to submit a periodic reports to UN DESA, and as per paragraph 89 of the 2030 Agenda to the HLPF (High Level Political Forum) under the auspices of ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) and GA (General Assembly).
Oversight
Children and Youth International (CYI, formerly Rio+20s) was established in April 2010 specifically to serve as the financial and legal body of the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY). 1) It supports the functioning of the MGCY secretariat, 2) it oversees the work of the Organising Partners (OPs), 3) co-leads the OPs election process along with the MGCY coordination team, 4) convenes MGCY’s grievance redressal mechanism, and 5) provides the organisational avenue for young individuals aged 30 and below to engage in the work of the MGCY.
As per its rules of procedure the board members are elected through the different working and coordination structures of the MGCY through a staggered process for a 2 year term.