The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) coordinates the UN's environmental work: science, treaties and support to governments. It was established in 1972 after the Stockholm Conference and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
Key facts
- Established in 1972 after the Stockholm Conference; headquarters Nairobi, Kenya.
- Executive Director Inger Andersen since 2019. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Co-established the IPCC with the WMO in 1988; hosts secretariats of the CBD, CITES and the Minamata Convention.
- The UN Environment Assembly (since 2012) includes all 193 UN members and meets every two years.
Why exams ask about it
The date of World Environment Day, the host and theme of the year, and UNEP's headquarters are the usual questions.