Agreement Signed as United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Partners with African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) to Advance Environmental Conservation, Diplomacy, and Youth Empowerment in Africa
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) have formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the United Nations Offices at Nairobi (UNON) on February 17, 2026. This landmark agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on pressing environmental challenges across Africa and globally, reinforcing UNEP’s commitment to inclusive environmental governance.
The MOU will direct cooperative efforts in environmental education, biodiversity economy, engagement with Major Groups and Stakeholders, and environmental diplomacy, building on four years of fruitful cooperation UNEPs’ Africa office through the AWF-Wall Policy Fellowship. Its goal is to strengthen Africa's influence and leadership in international multilateral processes, such as the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).
“This collaboration is an opportunity to connect policy, science, and local communities in ways that truly empower African stakeholders,” said Radhika Ochalik, Director of Governance Affairs at UNEP.
“This agreement is more than a formality. It is a commitment to empowering African communities, negotiators, and young leaders to participate actively in decisions shaping the planet’s future,” said Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of African Wildlife Foundation. “We have seen that conservation succeeds when people are at its center, and this partnership ensures that African voices lead the way.”
Under the MOU, UNEP and AWF will encourage inclusive involvement by increasing the representation of African governments, civil society, and youth in UNEP and UNEA processes, ensuring that engagement is meaningful and effective. The relationship will also help with environmental diplomacy by strengthening the Africa Group of Negotiators on Biodiversity and promoting collaboration and unity in international negotiations. In addition, activities will prioritize youth development and education, as well as expanding fellowship programs and chances to train emerging environmental leaders. Finally, the agreement will advance the biodiversity economy by fostering frameworks that enable local populations to directly profit from sustainable natural resource management and protection.
The agreement includes annual reviews and joint planning to ensure the partnership remains responsive to emerging environmental issues and contributes directly to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through this collaboration, UNEP and AWF reaffirm their commitment to advancing conservation, empowering African communities, and supporting a sustainable future for the continent and the world
For more information please contact:
UNEP: Isaiah Otieno
AWF: Frederick Kumah
