UNEP Full Form: History, Objective, Work etc.

UNEP Full Form: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) coordinates environmental issues within the United Nations system. Maurice Strong, its first director, founded UNEP and later the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972. Its mandate is to give leadership, deliver science and develop solutions to various issues, including climate change, the control of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and green economic development.

UNEP Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UN Environment Programme is led by a Senior Management Team chaired by our Executive Director. The organization also develops international environmental agreements, publishes and promotes ecological science and helps national governments achieve ecological targets. We work in our divisions, regional, liaison and out-posted offices, plus a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence.

UNEP Overview

Here in this section, we provide a short overview of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). Let’s have a look.

History Of UNEP

In the 1970s, the need for environmental governance at a global level was not wholly accepted, especially by developing nations. Any argued that environmental concerns were not a priority for countries in poverty. Canadian diplomat Maurice Strong’s leadership convinced multiple developing nations’ governments that they needed to prioritize this issue.

Structure of UNEP

Below have mentioned, UNEP’s structure includes eight divisions:

1. Science Division: It aims to provide scientifically reliable environmental assessments and information for sustainable development. It reports on the state of the global environment, evaluates policies, and provides an early warning of emerging environmental threats. It is in charge of monitoring and registering the background regarding the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Policy and Programme Division: It makes the policy and programme of the UNEP. This division ensures other divisions are organized.
3. Ecosystems Division: It helps countries conserve, restore and manage their ecosystems. It addresses the environmental causes and consequences of disasters and conflicts. It allows governments to reduce pollution from land-based activities, increase resilience to climate change, and think about the environment in their development planning.
4. Economy Category: It tries to get large businesses more environmentally informed. It has three main categories: Chemicals and Health, Energy and Climate, and Resources and Markets.
5. Governance Affairs Office reserves member states and other relevant groups to use UNEP’s work. The office works with UNEP’s governing body, the United Nations Environment Assembly, a subsidiary organ, the Committee of Permanent Representatives, and manages its meetings. It helps strengthen the Assembly’s visibility, authority and impact as an authoritative voice on the environment.
6. Law Division: It supports to development of environmental law. The law department aims to improve cooperation between lawmakers around the world who are making ecological laws. Works with countries to combat environmental crime and meet international environmental commitments.
7. Communication Division: develops and disseminates UNEP’s messages. It delivers them to authority to individuals through digital and traditional media channels.
8. Corporate Services Division: It handles UNEP’s corporate interests, such as management and exposure to financial risk.

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Objectives of UNEP

• Climate change
• Ecosystem management
• Disasters and conflicts
• Environmental governance
• Resource efficiency
• Chemicals and waste
• Environment under review

UNEP: 6 Areas of Concentration

As part of its transition to results-based management, UNEP reorganised its work plan into 6 major areas. Scientific data, the UNEP mission, and priorities emanating from global and regional forums influenced the selection of six areas of specialisation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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