Achieving a green economy will only be possible through the collective vision, creativity, action and support from a broad cross-section of society, including governments, the private sector and consumers. UNEP is committed to engaging with, and stimulating collaboration between, these stakeholders in the realization of a low-carbon, resource-efficient future.

In fact, UNEP’s Green Economy Initiative (GEI) is the result of a joint effort by numerous experts from UN organizations, academic institutes, think tanks, businesses and environmental groups.

GEI works with its range of partners to:

• develop GEI research products;
• harmonise green economy policy messages;
• provide and coordinate regional and country level advisory services; and
• identify financial and human resources to undertake green economy activities.

For example, UNEP partnered with the International Labour Organisation, the International Confederation of Trade Unions, and the International Employers Organisation in the development of a Green Jobs Report .

UNEP has also been working with a large number of UN agencies and other intergovernmental partners to harmonise green economy policy messages.  In June 2009, for example, UNEP, together with more than 20 UN agencies, the IMF and the World Bank, issued a joint statement, which noted that the current financial and economic crisis requires a collective response from the global community that lays a solid foundation for shared growth and sustainable development.

Apart from working with sister UN agencies, UNEP has also been working closely with civil society and the business community.  Most recently, UNEP supported the establishment of a Green Economy Coalition, which is comprised of environment, development, business and labour groups, and has been instrumental in focusing the global political agenda on the issue of transitioning to a green economy.  Through the UNEP Finance Initiative, the GEI has also been reaching out to the business sector, including key financial institutions