Solutions for a healthy, prosperous and resilient people and planet: the UNEP Medium-term Strategy for 2026–2029

Over the period 2026–2029, the Strategy positions UNEP to accelerate country-driven, science-based and inclusive solutions that deliver tangible results on the ground. UNEP will strengthen environmental governance and the rule of law, enhance access to credible science and data, and support the development of integrated policies, technologies and financing approaches that respond to national priorities and global commitments.

Recognising the complexity and interdependence of today’s environmental challenges, the MTS advances an integrated delivery model built around seven interlinked subprogrammes. Three thematic subprogrammes drive impact on climate action, nature action (land, ocean and freshwater) and chemicals and pollution action, supported by two foundational subprogrammes on science-policy and environmental law and governance, and two enabling subprogrammes on finance and economic transformations and digital transformations. Together, these subprogrammes ensure that solutions are transdisciplinary, scalable and capable of delivering multiple benefits for people, economies and ecosystems.

Through this Strategy, UNEP will work with Governments and a broad range of partners to translate global ambition into practical, country-relevant action—placing science, equity, innovation and accountability at the centre of efforts to safeguard the environment and advance sustainable development for present and future generations. Alongside the Strategy, the Programme of Work (2026-27) lays out how UNEP will achieve these goals for the biennium and for an overall budget of US$1.113 Bn that spans Regular Budget, Environment Fund, Extra Budgetary Resources and Global Funds.

What’s new in the MTS 2026-2029: 

• A focus on systemic solutions rather than characterizing the problem.
• More focus on impact and results through the One Impact Framework;
• A strong emphasis on country-level delivery and integrated support to national priorities;
• A sharper and more streamlined results architecture with few, more targeted indicators and well developed measurement protocols;
• A renewed and more explicit commitment to integrated solutions that address environment including ecosystems, climate, land, ocean and freshwater, pollution, waste and chemicals. systems.

The MTS and PoW are available in all 6 official UN languages:

• MTS: https://docs.un.org/UNEP/EA.7/3
• PoW: https://docs.un.org/UNEP/EA.7/4

 Related resources:  

• Decision 7/6 - Medium-term strategy for the period 2026–2029 and the programme of work and budget for the biennium 2026–2027, adopted by the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly on 12^th December.
• UNEP/EA.7/4/Add.1 - Report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions on the draft programme of work and budget for the biennium 2026 - 2027

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Jo (Jyotsna) Puri 
Director, Policy and Policy Division
Jo.puri@un.org