The main UN body dealing with environmental issues, UNEP, came into being on December 15, 1972. On that day, during the first UN conference on this topic held in Stockholm, the UN Environment Programme was created.

The main tasks of UNEP include developing a global environmental program and promoting its implementation within the UN, advocating for the protection of the natural environment of the globe, developing partnerships with other divisions of the United Nations, and involving civil society, in particular scientific, youth and other organizations, and the private sector in environmental activities. World Environment Day is celebrated annually under the auspices of UNEP.

The programmes implemented by UNEP are financed by the Environment Fund, which is formed by voluntary contributions from governments of various countries and small allocations from the regular budget of the UN.

Additional information:

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)