UNEP stands for United Nations Environment program. It was founded by Maurice Strong after the Conference on Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972. He was also the first director of UNEP. With regard to a variety of concerns, including climate change, the management of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and green economic development, its goal is to provide leadership, deliver science, and develop solutions. Additionally, the group creates worldwide environmental agreements, publishes and promotes environmental knowledge, and aids national governments in meeting environmental goals. The UNEP is governed by the United Nations Environment Assembly. It was established in 2012 to take the role of the Governing Council and currently has 193 members.
UNEP offers information and data on the global environment to all relevant parties for the purpose of assisting government, non-governmental organisations, and the general public in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
It helps in Ecosystem management, resource efficiency, controlling chemicals and waste, etc.
It works with the Territorial Approach to Climate Change, which involves governmental organisations in efforts to build climate resilience.
It works with the mission to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring others to improve their quality of life without affecting future generations.
It comprises eight divisions-
The Science Division: Its mission is to offer reliable environmental analyses and data for sustainable development.
Policy and Program Division: It develops the policy and program of the UNEP.
Ecosystems Division: It supports nations in conserving, restoring, and managing their ecosystems.
Economy division: It supports major corporations in their attempts to be more environmentally conscious.
Governance Affairs Office: It encourages the utilisation of UNEP's work by member states and other relevant organisations.
Law Division: It contributes to the creation of environmental law.
Communication division: It creates and distributes its messages.
The Corporate Services Division: It manages UNEP's corporate interests, including financial risk exposure and management.
Executive director of UNEP - Inger Andersen.
Deputy Executive director - Joyce Msuya
Acting director - Sylvie Motard
General and Head of UNEP - Ligia Noronha
Acting deputy executive director - Sonja Leighton-Kone.
Director of Economy division - Sheila Aggarwal Khan
Director of Communication division - Daniel Cooney
Director of Ecosystem division - Susan Gardner
Director of Law division - Patricia kameri-Mbote
Director of Policy and program division - Tim Kasten
Director of Governance affairs office - Radhika ochalik
Chief scientist - Andrea Hinwood
Chief of staff - Rafael Peralta.
The headquarters of UNEP is located in Nairobi, Kenya.
UNEP develops international agreements, and it also encourages institutions for environmental management.
In 2016, the presence of UNEP started in India by forming an office in New Delhi.
UNEP awarded PM Narendra Modi with the Champions of the Earth award.
India's annual financial contribution to UNEP was USD 100,000.