Preventing, controlling and managing pollution is central to improving health, human well-being and prosperity for all.
UNEP drives capacity and leadership in sound management of chemicals and waste while working to improve ways to reduce waste through circularity and pollutants released to the air, water, soil and the ocean.
UNEP signed and memorandum of understanding with the Seoul Design Foundation (SDF), under the Seoul Metropolitan Government, to explore collaboration on circular design across industries. The partnership aims to advance circular economy practices through design-led industrial innovation.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) collectively known as the Quadripartite have jointly developed a campaign guide to support and guide this year WAAW. This guide provides key information and practical ideas to help you take part in the global commemoration of WAAW 2025. It includes the campaign theme, guidance on how to participate, and social media information. It also links to WAAW pages of Quadripartite organizations and offers direct access to multilingual communication materials and resources.
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly is currently underway, with UNEP hosting and taking part in a number of events. View daily updates to stay informed.
In preparation for the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP6), happening in Geneva from 3 to 7 November 2025, participants are invited to sign up for a briefing:
From 16–21 September, UNEP marked Clean Air Day and the upcoming International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) with an interactive exhibit at Osaka Expo 2025, showing how cleaner air and cutting food waste go hand in hand.
The week closed with “A Food Waste Breakthrough: Cutting Emissions by Reducing Food Waste”, highlighting Japan’s achievement as the only country to meet SDG 12.3 ahead of time—cutting food loss and waste by 53% since 2000 and now targeting 56% by 2030. Cities like Yokohama and Osaka shared community innovations, retailers like FamilyMart showcased consumer-focused campaigns, and food banks such as Second Harvest Japan demonstrated civil society impact.
The message was clear: halving food waste is one of the fastest, most effective climate solutions—cutting methane, cleaning our air, and boosting food security.
Learn more about the World Cleanup Day and solutions to beat pollution.
Over 300 people joined the the DemAl Festival in Bishkek on 13 September to mark the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, inspiring action to fight air pollution.
The festival was one of the over 150 events registered in the global campaign to celebrate this year's Clean Air Day. See highlights of the day.
The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund will open its second round of applications on 30 September, 2025.
The Fund provides financial support ranging from USD 300,000 to 800,000 to help countries and stakeholders address the entire lifecycle of chemicals, from production and use to waste management.
Attend this informational event on 30 September to learn more about the two-stage application process.
This webinar will explore how different actors—such as professionals working in public health, the environment, or water services—can come together to track, analyse, and respond to potential health risks identified through conducting wastewater and environmental surveillance activities. The One Health approach illustrates the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the environment.
The session will share real-life examples from across Africa, illustrating how collaboration across different sectors can help communities stay healthier and better protect the environment.
Be part of the conversation:
*French interpretation will be available
Seules 12% des villes disposent de mesures de la qualité de l'air conformes aux normes de l'OMS
