Safeguarding the environment for future generations
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations’ leading global authority on the environmentdriving transformational change on the triple planetary crisis: the crisis of climate changethe crisis of natureland and biodiversity lossand the crisis of pollution and waste.
Since its founding in 1972UNEP has served as a neutral convener of Member Statescivil societythe private sector and UN agencies to address humanity’s most pressing environmental challenges. From protecting species to restoring the ozone layerUNEP-facilitated international agreements have made global environmental action possible throughout the years. TodayUNEP hosts the United Nations Environment Assemblythe world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environmentwith a universal membership of all 193 United Nations’ Member States.
Through robust scienceglobal coordination and powerful advocacyUNEP continues to support all UN Member States – and all of society – to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and forge a future where people and planet live in harmony.
With a workforce of nearly 3,000 people across 41 countries and territoriesUNEP’s mission is to inform, enableand inspire nations and peoples to improve their quality of life while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
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Inform
Science is fundamental in providing answers to the most pressing sustainability challenges and ensuring evidence-based decision-making – and it is at the heart of the work of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP keeps the global environment under review and improves access to information and knowledge-sharingin pursuit of transforming humanity’s relationship with the environment.
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Enable
With UNEP supportcountries integrate environmental sustainability into development and investment planningwhile governments turn to UNEP for guidancesolutionsand support in building their environmental capacity. Thanks to UNEP supportmany countries have built stronger environmental institutionsintroduced sound legislationenhanced technical capacitygained greater knowledgemade greener investments and improved cross-border collaboration.
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Inspire
UNEP raises awareness and advocates for effective action on pressing environmental challenges. UNEP communicates directly with decisionmakers and people worldwide – both within and beyond the environmental community – to inspire positive change in householdsbusinessescities and countries around the globe.
What we do
UNEP works tirelessly to address the root causes of the triple planetary crisis while responding to emerging environmental challenges.
