• Overview

Date: 17 February 2021; 18:30 - 19:30hrs EAT

Where: Online, register here or watch the live streaming on the UNEA-5 website

"Ivanova's book, by far the most profound and insightful analysis of UNEP, combines the author's research rigor with her heartfelt humanity.”

- Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (2010–2016)

Environment is the foundation for human wellbeing. Who speaks for it? Who leads on it? Almost fifty years ago, in 1972, UNEP was created as the anchor institution for the global environment, a small, smart and capable body that was to “color the UN environmental”. UNEP’s fiftieth anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on its core mandate, raise awareness about its accomplishments, and solicit input on its future. The Untold Story of the World's Leading Environmental Institution: UNEP at Fifty by Professor Maria Ivanova[1] presents a powerful tool to understand UNEP’s past and performance and reimagine its potential.

This book is “a must-read for scholars, policymakers, activists, and industry—especially those tasked with leading humanity out of the current global environmental crisis,” notes Zakri Abdul Hamid, former Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Join us for a conversation with the author, Maria Ivanova; Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director; and the President of the Fifth Session of the UN Environment Assembly Sveinung Rotevatn. The discussion also includes long-term UNEP staff member Donald Kaniaru. Renowned environmental journalist Joe Ageyo will moderate.

Framed as UNEP@Fifty, the year ahead opens opportunities for dialogue and deliberation on transformative futures.

Join the debate. Speak out, take a stand, take action!

Speakers:

Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director

Sveinung Rotevatn, Minister of Climate and the Environment, Norway

Donald Kaniaru, Former Director of UNEP Division of Environmental Conventions

Maria Ivanova, Director of the Center for Governanceand Sustainability and Associate Professorat University of Massachusetts Boston

Moderated by:

Joe Ageyo, Editorial Director at Royal Media Services

[1] https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/untold-story-worlds-leading-environmental-institution