Governance
The current system of global environmental governance reflects the challenge of assembling cooperation among the international community, even on environmental matters that all agree require common action. There are three elements to global environmental governance. One element is comprised of intergovernmental organizations within the United Nations system, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which are responsible for developing and coordinating environmental and sustainable development policy at the international level. A second element is the framework of international environmental law, which takes the form of a large number of environmental treaties. These treaties, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, are legally binding agreements that call on countries to take joint action on environmental problems. A third element is the financing mechanism to build capacity to carry out treaty commitments, to supplement national efforts toward sustainable development in poorer countries, and to support the UN agencies and treaty secretariats that coordinate and carry out environmental efforts. These include the bilateral development assistance, the World Bank, other regional development banks, UN funds like the UN, the Global Environment Facility, philanthropies, and the private sector.
Events and Articles
Showing 11 - 20 of 430 results
14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP 14)
From the launch of the first State of the World’s Migratory Species report, to a resolution on deep-sea mining, and updated guidelines on light pollution, ecotourism, and community involvement in conservation, the first Conference of the Parties in Central Asia effectively tackled many challenges in the conservation of migratory species. (Sintesis en español) (Résumé en français)
UN Climate Change Conference - United Arab Emirates Nov/Dec 2023
Parties adopted a decision operationalizing the new loss and damage fund and a number of parties announced pledges for its initial capitalization. But negotiations were difficult on the other central outcomes: the first Global Stocktake, the Global Goal on Adaptation, the mitigation work programme, just transition pathways, and climate finance.
5th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury
Parties took crucial steps toward eliminating mercury pollution, including by adopting decisions on: new dates to phase out mercury-added products including cosmetics, strengthened ties with Indigenous Peoples, the Convention’s first effectiveness evaluation, and a threshold for mercury waste, which will help countries avoid becoming dumping grounds for mercury-contaminated wastes.
35th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP35)
Delegates committed firmly to address threats to both the ozone layer and the global climate, designating a significant portion of the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund to the implementation of the Kigali Amendment, which will phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and bring down global temperatures.
25th Meeting of the CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 25) and Resumed Second Part of the 15th Meeting of the CBD Conference of the Parties
Ten months after adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), delegates met to provide expert advice on the scientific, technical, and technological aspects of GBF implementation. At the resumed 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP), delegates conducted elections and discussed the date and venue of COP 16.
5th Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific
The Forum brought together diverse countries with unique environmental challenges, fostering a spirit of collaboration to address the crises in the region.
UN Summits Week 2023
Marking the halfway point to the 2030 Agenda, the SDG Summit and the Climate Ambition Summit aim to provide renewed impetus for accelerating the pace of change in the fields of sustainable development and climate action, respectively.
SDG 6 and Water Action Agenda Special Event
The 2023 edition of the SDG 6 Special Event focused on the outcomes of the UN 2023 Water Conference, including the almost 830 commitments included in the Water Action Agenda.
Fourth Global Conference on Strengthening Synergies between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda
Since 2019, a series of climate and SDG synergies conferences have sought to identify ways to maximize action on the links between these two ambitious frameworks—breaking down barriers between policymakers and the scientific community to leverage synergies.
What Happens After the VLR?
City leaders at different stages of producing Voluntary Local Reviews—reports that measure local progress and challenges in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals—compared notes on lessons learned and how to maintain momentum after a VLR.