"UNEP is deeply grateful for the strong partnership with the government of Belgium."
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP
Belgium is a longstanding partner to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The environment is important in Belgian government policy, and the country is a frontrunner in the field of circular economy, including in the management of waste and safe handling of chemicals. It has also made significant progress in national protection of biodiversity and nature, and in the fight against marine litter. Globally, Belgium is a strong supporter of multilateral efforts to address environmental challenges, and is an important partner to UNEP.
A few years back, Belgium shifted all its funding of UNEP to the Environment Fund, making it one of the few UNEP Member States that provide stable, predictable and flexible core funding. Alexander De Croo, Belgian Prime Minister, says that Belgium, a firm supporter of the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs, wants to strengthen UNEP because it believes that UNEP plays a crucial role in solving these complex interlinked issues – in bringing scientific evidence, in convening people, in building capacity, and in leading the way.
Belgium regularly features in the top-10 list of contributors to the Environment Fund. In 2019, Belgium ranked number 6, with a contribution of US$ 4.5 million. Belgium is one of the UNEP member States that consistently contributes its share to the Environment Fund, as represented by the Voluntary Indicative Scale of Contributions (VISC).
The partnership between Belgium and UNEP goes beyond financial support. Representatives from the two have met several times to discuss the programme of work, emerging environmental challenges, and lessons learned. Through open, frank and interactive dialogue, these meetings have strengthened the relationship between Belgium and UNEP.
Hear what Alexander De Croo, Belgian Prime Minister, says about the partnership in the below video (Mr De Croo was Minister of Development Cooperation at time of filming):
