Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. 

The UNEP Europe Office is based in Geneva, where it offers expertise to governments in tackling environmental challenges, runs an array of projects, raises awareness and takes part in dialogues with stakeholders. In the city, UNEP also hosts the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions aimed at protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes, the Minamata Convention addressing human actions linked to mercury pollution, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. UNEP furthermore hosts the interim Secretariat of the Tehran Convention aimed at protecting the Caspian Sea and its marine environment.