UN Environmental Program

UNEP was established in 1972. It acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote sustainable development of the global environment. To accomplish this, UNEP works with a wide range of partners, including United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society.

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's global and cross-sectoral outlook is reflected in its organizational structure, its activities and is personnel. Being based in Africa gives UNEP a clear advantage in understanding the environmental issues facing the world's developing countries.

UNEP 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, encouraging new partnerships and mind-sets within civil society and the private sector.