United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Description:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

Their 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’s work is categorized into seven broad thematic areas: climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management, environmental governance, chemicals and waste, resource efficiency, and environment under review. In all of their work, there is an overarching commitment to sustainability.

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UN Environment Programme is led by a Senior Management Team that is chaired by an Executive Director. UNEP works through its divisions, regional, liaison and out-posted offices, plus a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence. UNEP also hosts several environmental conventions, secretariats and inter-agency coordinating bodies.

The UNEP Europe Office’s main goal is to provide guidance to national governments at various levels, and to take part in the dialogue on environmental issues between governmental authorities, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders. It encourages closer cooperation between the main actors in the region, implements projects and provides scientific and legal expertise on challenges facing Europe’s environment. It also undertakes awareness-raising initiatives and campaigns, giving Europeans the chance to act towards a greener region while improving the quality of their lives.

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