The development of UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) for the period 2026-2029 and the 2026-2027 Programme of Work (PoW) came at a pivotal time for the global community. 

This strategy is the last one before the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it a critical opportunity to intensify efforts towards the environmental dimension of sustainable development.

The new strategy was approved at the Seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025. The strategy will guide UNEP’s strategic direction and play a pivotal role in shaping the global environmental agenda. While building on the strong foundation of the previous strategy, it also responds to emerging challenges. The new MTS is designed to be concise and easily understood, ensuring it is both accessible and engaging for all stakeholders.

DateTitle
12 December 2025UNEP/EA.7/4 - Programme of work and budget for the biennium 2026 - 2027
12 December 2025UNEP/EA.7/3 - Medium-term strategy for the period 2026 - 2029
20 March 2025Synthesis report with Major Groups, Private Sector, Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Children and Youth Major Groups [UNEP/CPR/169/3]
17 December 2024Synthesis report of the Informal Member States Dialogue on the Development of UNEPs MTS 2026-2029 [UNEP/CPR/168/7]

Decision 6/7 requested UNEP to prepare the new MTS and a POW for its first two biennium, through inclusive and regular consultation with Member States and relevant stakeholders. In this context, UNEP is facilitating a series of informal and inclusive dialogues with Member States, Major Groups and Stakeholders, Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), and the Private sector and the inputs from these are informing the development of the strategy.

UNEP organized four informal virtual dialogue sessions with Member States to explore their aspirations for UNEP and its upcoming MTS 2026-2029. The sessions brought together a diverse group of 128 participants from 65 countries, representing both Nairobi-based missions and representatives from capitals, ensuring broad engagement. Through open, collaborative discussions, the sessions gathered insights, priorities, and innovative ideas from Member States that will inform the development of UNEP’s next MTS.  

For more information, please read our Frequently asked questions or contact unep-ppd-strategicplanningunit@un.org. You can also access a dedicated report webpage for more information.

Timeline for the MTS

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