The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a Member State led organization.
The Member States approve the programme of work and budget. They are also important financial contributors, including to UNEP's core fund, the Environment Fund. In 2024, nearly half of UNEP's Member States contributed to the Fund, with 59 contributing their full share.
In addition to providing funding and direction, Member States are important partners in formulating policy, implementing UNEP's programme of work, and championing solutions to our shared environmental challenges.
In 2012, UNEP went from having a Governing Council of 58 Member States to an Environment Assembly, with universal membership that encompasses all 193 UN Member States. The Committee of Permanent Representatives with its current membership of 127 Member States, provides policy advice to the UN Environment Assembly (UNEP's main governing body), contributes to agenda preparation and oversees implementation of adopted decisions.
