Everything you need to know about the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

We continue our series which takes a look at the organisations, issues and initiatives around the climate challenge. Here, we take a look at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which established the amazing Playing for the Planet Alliance – organiser of the annual Green Game Jam, which PlanetPlay is proud to be supporting this year…

What is the UNEP?

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a global environmental authority within the United Nations system. It is responsible for coordinating international responses to environmental challenges, promoting sustainability, and setting global environmental standards. The UNEP plays a crucial role in monitoring environmental trends, supporting policy development, and nurturing co-operation between nations to protect the planet.

What does the UNEP do?

UNEP operates across various environmental areas with key responsibilities, including:

• Developing International Environmental Policies: Setting global environmental standards and guiding policy frameworks.
• Assessing Environmental Trends: Providing scientific reports and data on climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and more.
• Supporting Sustainable Development: Assisting nations in implementing eco-friendly policies and practices.
• Raising Public Awareness: Leading initiatives such as World Environment Day to engage people in sustainability efforts.
• Responding to Environmental Crises: Coordinating disaster response and environmental rehabilitation in affected regions.

Why was the UNEP formed?

The UNEP was established in 1972 following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference). The conference recognised the growing environmental challenges caused by industrialisation, pollution, and resource depletion. UNEP was created to provide leadership and coordination in addressing these issues at a global level.

How does UNEP differ from the UNDP?

Both UNEP and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) contribute to sustainable development but have different focuses:

• UNEP is dedicated to environmental protection and policy, tackling issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity conservation.
• UNDP focuses on human development, addressing poverty, governance, economic growth, and social welfare while incorporating environmental considerations into broader development goals.

While they collaborate on various initiatives, UNEP’s primary mandate is environmental sustainability, whereas UNDP’s scope is broader and includes economic and social development.

What have been UNEP’s greatest achievements?

Over the decades, UNEP has led several significant global environmental initiatives. Some of its most notable achievements include:

1. Montreal Protocol (1987): A landmark treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances, which has significantly helped in repairing the ozone layer.
2. Minamata Convention on Mercury (2013): An international agreement to reduce mercury pollution, protecting human health and the environment.
3. Paris Agreement Support (2015): UNEP played a key role in providing scientific data and policy recommendations leading to this historic climate action treaty.
4. Global Environmental Monitoring: Through initiatives like the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) reports, UNEP provides critical data on environmental trends and challenges.
5. Plastic Pollution Initiatives: Spearheaded global efforts to reduce single-use plastics, leading to national bans and stricter regulations worldwide.
6. Ecosystem Restoration Efforts: Leading the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) to combat desertification, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

The UNEP continues to be a driving force in global environmental governance, working to ensure a sustainable future for all. Through policy guidance, scientific research, and advocacy, it plays an essential role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing ecological challenges.

Find out more by visiting https://www.unep.org/who-we-are/about-us

And find out more about the Playing for the Planet Alliance and Green Game Jam here: https://www.playing4theplanet.org/green-game-jam-2025 

For 2025 the #GreenGameJam is teaming up with the Global Game Jam, Games4Change, Dots.eco, and PlanetPlay to take care of nature.

Where Global Game Jam and Games4Change will expand the theme of “Nurture yourself with Nature” to gaming enthusiasts across the globe and students that participate in the Games4Change Student Challenge, PlanetPlay will support studios with a smooth in-game fundraising experience.