3. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Key Objectives and Mandate
UNEP is the leading global authority for environmental affairs. It was created in 1972 as a result of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, with a mission to coordinate the UN’s environmental activities and assist countries in implementing environmentally sound policies.
Its focus includes:
Climate change
Biodiversity conservation
Pollution and waste
Resource efficiency and sustainable consumption
Supporting achievement of environment-related SDGs
Organizational Structure
UN Environment Assembly (UNEA): Apex policy-making body; meets biennially
Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR): Intergovernmental oversight
Executive Director: Leads the Secretariat (Currently: Inger Andersen)
Divisions: Science, Economy, Law, Ecosystems, etc.
Regional Offices: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America, West Asia
India’s Role and Relevance
Founding member and active participant in global environmental negotiations
Hosted World Environment Day 2018 with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”
Collaborates with UNEP on projects like:
Air Quality Assessment in Indian Cities
Resource Efficiency Roadmaps
Electric Mobility (with NITI Aayog)
Supports India in achieving goals under NAPCC, LiFE Movement, and SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Key Initiatives and Developments
UNEA-6 (2024) prioritized the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations
UNEP administers multiple Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), including:
CITES, CMS, Minamata Convention
Partnered with India on the “Clean Air India” initiative and the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) concept
Works closely on circular economy, climate finance, and nature-based solutions
Additional Facts
UNEP was the first UN body headquartered in the Global South
Publishes flagship scientific assessments on climate, pollution, biodiversity
Its GEO reports are referenced during global negotiations
Plays a leading role in SDG tracking related to environment
Relevance for UPSC Exam
Prelims: Questions on UNEA, reports (GEO, Emissions Gap), India’s initiatives with UNEP, MEAs administered
Mains (GS2/GS3):
Role in global environmental governance
India’s engagement with UNEP and SDGs
Essay & Interview: Useful for topics on climate justice, sustainable development, and global environmental ethics