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The '''United Nations Environment Programme''' ('''UNEP''') is an agency of the [[United Nations]] responsible for coordinating the organization's environmental activities and assisting developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. UNEP was founded as a result of the [[United Nations Conference on the Human Environment]] in June 1972 and is headquartered in [[Nairobi]], [[Kenya]].
{{DISPLAYTITLE:United Nations Environment Programme}}


== History ==
[[File:UNEP_logo.svg|thumb|right|The logo of the United Nations Environment Programme]]


UNEP was established following the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]]. The conference was the first major international gathering to discuss global environmental issues, and it led to the creation of UNEP to act as a global advocate for the environment. [[Maurice Strong]], who was the Secretary-General of the conference, became the first Executive Director of UNEP.
The '''United Nations Environment Programme''' ('''UNEP''') is an agency of the [[United Nations]] that coordinates the organization's environmental activities and assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. UNEP was founded as a result of the [[United Nations Conference on the Human Environment]] in June 1972 and is headquartered in [[Nairobi]], [[Kenya]].


== Functions ==
==History==


UNEP's mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP works in seven broad thematic areas:
[[File:Maurice_Strong.jpg|thumb|left|Maurice Strong, the first Executive Director of UNEP]]


* [[Climate change]]
The establishment of UNEP was a significant outcome of the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]]. The conference was the first major international gathering to discuss global environmental issues, and it led to the creation of UNEP to act as a global advocate for the environment.
* [[Disasters and conflicts]]
* [[Ecosystem management]]
* [[Environmental governance]]
* [[Chemicals and waste]]
* [[Resource efficiency]]
* [[Environment under review]]


== Major Initiatives ==
Maurice Strong, a Canadian diplomat and environmentalist, was appointed as the first Executive Director of UNEP. Under his leadership, UNEP began to address a wide range of environmental issues, including the protection of the [[ozone layer]], the management of [[marine pollution]], and the promotion of [[sustainable development]].


UNEP has been involved in several major environmental initiatives, including:
==Mandate and Functions==


* The [[Montreal Protocol]] on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
UNEP's mandate is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP's work encompasses:
* The [[Convention on Biological Diversity]]
* The [[Minamata Convention on Mercury]]
* The [[Global Environment Outlook]]


== Executive Directors ==
* Assessing global, regional, and national environmental conditions and trends.
* Developing international and national environmental instruments.
* Strengthening institutions for the wise management of the environment.
* Facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology for sustainable development.


UNEP has had several Executive Directors since its inception:
==Key Initiatives==


* [[Maurice Strong]] (1972-1975)
UNEP has been instrumental in the development of international environmental conventions, promoting environmental science and information, and fostering partnerships with other UN agencies, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
* [[Mostafa Tolba]] (1976-1992)
* [[Elizabeth Dowdeswell]] (1993-1998)
* [[Klaus Topfer]] (1998-2006)
* [[Achim Steiner]] (2006-2016)
* [[Erik Solheim]] (2016-2018)
* [[Joyce Msuya]] (acting, 2018-2019)
* [[Inger Andersen]] (2019-present)


== Related Pages ==
===Ozone Layer Protection===


* [[United Nations Development Programme]]
UNEP played a crucial role in the development of the [[Montreal Protocol]], an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion.
* [[World Health Organization]]
 
* [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]]
===Climate Change===
 
[[File:22dec07-COP15-Sec-Gen-Media-3206_(52549456365).jpg|thumb|right|UNEP at COP15]]
 
UNEP is actively involved in addressing climate change through initiatives such as the [[UN-REDD Programme]] and the [[Green Climate Fund]]. It also supports the [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]] (IPCC) in assessing the science related to climate change.
 
==Leadership==
 
[[File:DR_MOSTAFA_TOLBA.jpg|thumb|left|Mostafa Tolba, former Executive Director of UNEP]]
 
Since its inception, UNEP has been led by several notable figures:
 
* '''Maurice Strong''' (1972–1975): The first Executive Director, who laid the foundation for UNEP's global environmental agenda.
* '''Mostafa Tolba''' (1976–1992): An Egyptian scientist who led UNEP during the development of the Montreal Protocol.
* '''Elizabeth Dowdeswell''' (1993–1998): A Canadian diplomat who focused on sustainable development and environmental governance.
 
[[File:Elizabeth_Dowdeswell_2020-01-01_(DSCF0094)_(cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Elizabeth Dowdeswell, former Executive Director of UNEP]]
 
* '''Klaus Töpfer''' (1998–2006): A German politician who emphasized the importance of integrating environmental considerations into economic policies.


== References ==
[[File:Klaus_Töpfer,_2009_(cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Klaus Töpfer, former Executive Director of UNEP]]


* "About UNEP." United Nations Environment Programme. Accessed October 2023. [https://www.unep.org/about-un-environment]
==Related Pages==
* "History of UNEP." United Nations Environment Programme. Accessed October 2023. [https://www.unep.org/about-un-environment/history]


== Gallery ==
* [[United Nations Development Programme]]
<gallery>
* [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]]
File:UNEP_logo.svg|UNEP Logo
* [[Montreal Protocol]]
File:22dec07-COP15-Sec-Gen-Media-3206_(52549456365).jpg|UNEP at COP15
* [[Sustainable Development Goals]]
File:Maurice_Strong.jpg|Maurice Strong
File:DR_MOSTAFA_TOLBA.jpg|Mostafa Tolba
File:Elizabeth_Dowdeswell_2020-01-01_(DSCF0094)_(cropped).jpg|Elizabeth Dowdeswell
File:Klaus_T�pfer,_2009_(cropped).jpg|Klaus T�pfer
File:Achim_Steiner-IMG_0835.jpg|Achim Steiner
File:Erik_Solheim.jpg|Erik Solheim
File:Joyce_Msuya_Mpanju_(2019)_Ausschnitt.jpg|Joyce Msuya
File:Inger_Andersen_(environmentalist,_2010,_cropped).jpg|Inger Andersen
File:UNEP-IRP.png|UNEP International Resource Panel
File:1.1-_Carbon_Financing_(10036842386).jpg|Carbon Financing
File:Jairam_Ramesh_delivering_the_inaugural_address_at_the_Reporting_Green_UNEP_Media_Workshop_on_Journalism_and_the_Environment,_in_New_Delhi_on_June_02,_2011.jpg|UNEP Media Workshop
</gallery>


[[Category:United Nations Environment Programme]]
[[Category:United Nations Environment Programme]]
[[Category:Environmental organizations]]
[[Category:Environmental organizations]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1972]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1972]]
<gallery>
[[Category:United Nations specialized agencies]]
File:UNEP_logo.svg|United Nations Environment Programme
File:UNEP-conferentie_over_ozonlaag_in_Den_Haag_v.l.n.r._ex_minister_Ginjaar_,_mini,_Bestanddeelnr_934-3407.jpg|United Nations Environment Programme
File:22dec07-COP15-Sec-Gen-Media-3206_(52549456365).jpg|United Nations Environment Programme
File:Maurice_Strong.jpg|Maurice Strong
File:DR_MOSTAFA_TOLBA.jpg|Dr. Mostafa Tolba
File:Elizabeth_Dowdeswell_2020-01-01_(DSCF0094)_(cropped).jpg|Elizabeth Dowdeswell
File:Klaus_Töpfer,_2009_(cropped).jpg|Klaus Töpfer
File:Achim_Steiner-IMG_0835.jpg|Achim Steiner
File:Erik_Solheim.jpg|Erik Solheim
File:Joyce_Msuya_Mpanju_(2019)_Ausschnitt.jpg|Joyce Msuya
File:Inger_Andersen_(environmentalist,_2010,_cropped).jpg|Inger Andersen
File:UNEP-IRP.png|United Nations Environment Programme
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 11:29, 23 March 2025


File:UNEP logo.svg
The logo of the United Nations Environment Programme

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is an agency of the United Nations that coordinates the organization's environmental activities and assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. UNEP was founded as a result of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in June 1972 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

History[edit]

Maurice Strong, the first Executive Director of UNEP

The establishment of UNEP was a significant outcome of the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm, Sweden. The conference was the first major international gathering to discuss global environmental issues, and it led to the creation of UNEP to act as a global advocate for the environment.

Maurice Strong, a Canadian diplomat and environmentalist, was appointed as the first Executive Director of UNEP. Under his leadership, UNEP began to address a wide range of environmental issues, including the protection of the ozone layer, the management of marine pollution, and the promotion of sustainable development.

Mandate and Functions[edit]

UNEP's mandate is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP's work encompasses:

  • Assessing global, regional, and national environmental conditions and trends.
  • Developing international and national environmental instruments.
  • Strengthening institutions for the wise management of the environment.
  • Facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology for sustainable development.

Key Initiatives[edit]

UNEP has been instrumental in the development of international environmental conventions, promoting environmental science and information, and fostering partnerships with other UN agencies, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

Ozone Layer Protection[edit]

UNEP played a crucial role in the development of the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion.

Climate Change[edit]

UNEP at COP15

UNEP is actively involved in addressing climate change through initiatives such as the UN-REDD Programme and the Green Climate Fund. It also supports the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in assessing the science related to climate change.

Leadership[edit]

Mostafa Tolba, former Executive Director of UNEP

Since its inception, UNEP has been led by several notable figures:

  • Maurice Strong (1972–1975): The first Executive Director, who laid the foundation for UNEP's global environmental agenda.
  • Mostafa Tolba (1976–1992): An Egyptian scientist who led UNEP during the development of the Montreal Protocol.
  • Elizabeth Dowdeswell (1993–1998): A Canadian diplomat who focused on sustainable development and environmental governance.
Elizabeth Dowdeswell, former Executive Director of UNEP
  • Klaus Töpfer (1998–2006): A German politician who emphasized the importance of integrating environmental considerations into economic policies.
Klaus Töpfer, former Executive Director of UNEP

Related Pages[edit]