The Global Goals
UN Environment Programme is uniquely positioned to help countries establish and strengthen policy, legal and institutional measures, to achieve the Sustainable Development and other global environmental goals. We provide governments with guidance, expertise, and tools on environmental laws, policies and regulations, as well as assist them to meet their environmental commitments to people and planet.
Celebrating 10 years of collective intelligence for environmental governance
InforMEA celebrated its 10th year anniversary in July 2019, in Geneva, at a meeting designed to improve access to knowledge on international environmental challenges, and the Multilateral Environmental Agreements. It was agreed that the path forward must involve harnessing new technologies for connectivity, demonstrating the agreements’ contributions toward the Sustainable Development Goals in achieving “the future we want” by 2030, and engaging younger generations—both their passion for environmental issues and their familiarity and aptitude with digital tools for connectivity. Read more...
Promoting implementation of multilateral environmental agreements on chemicals and waste in Asia
According to a new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report, countries may fail to meet the internationally agreed goal to minimize the adverse impacts of chemicals and waste by 2020.
The Chinese government partnered with UNEP in 2018 to support the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements in Asia, by building the capacity of the country’s customs officials. Through the partnership, UNEP aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in Asia in sound chemicals management, by supporting the development of tools that help mitigate chemicals and waste pollution. Read more...
International Law Commission lawyers approve 28 legal principles to reduce the environmental impact of war
In July 2019, the United Nations International Law Commission endorsed 28 legal principles intended to enhance protection before, during and after armed conflicts. Eight of the principles adopted by the Commission in its long-running project were new this year, and they identify areas with room for improvement and look ahead to what comes next. The international community is awaiting the publication of new environmental rules for militaries that are being prepared by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Read more...
2019 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
The seventh session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development took place in July 2019, under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council. The forum addressed the theme, 'Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality'. In-depth reviews of SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), in addition to SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals) were also conducted in the forum. Read more...
