

By Maria Ivanova
Foreword by John W. McDonald
The past, present, and possible future of the agency designed to act as “the world's environmental conscience.
Now is available to read online for free via open access.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Testimonials

Christiana Figueres
Executive Secretary, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (2010–2016)
"Ivanova's book, by far the most profound and insightful analysis of UNEP, combines the author's research rigor with her heartfelt humanity.”

Ado Lōhmus
Permanent Representative of Estonia to UNEP, Vice President of UNEA-5
"Ivanova's in-depth, down-to-earth analysis of the evolution of UNEP offers lessons learned and forward-looking perspective and creates the cornerstone for enhancing global environmental governance. Genuinely captivating!"

Rachel Kyte
Dean, The Fletcher School,
Tufts University
"Ivanova's authoritative history of UNEP tells the story of how we have tried, succeeded, and failed to protect the environment. As multiple global crises trace their origins to nature's destruction, this is essential reading."

Thomas G. Weiss
Dean, The Fletcher School,
Tufts University
"Ivanova's authoritative history of UNEP tells the story of how we have tried, succeeded, and failed to protect the environment. As multiple global crises trace their origins to nature's destruction, this is essential reading."

Inger Andersen
Executive Director, UNEP
"I highly recommend The Untold Story of the World's Leading Environmental Institution by Maria Ivanova. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the genesis and evolution of global environmental governance. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the UN Environment Programme in 2022, this book provides valuable insights into how UNEP – and, indeed, environmental multilateralism – must rise to the challenges of a planet in crisis and lead us towards sustainable development."

Gus Speth
Former Dean, Yale School of Environment
“No one knows UNEP, its history and its potential like Ivanova. That knowledge shines through in this fine book. Our future depends on successful global environmental governance. UNEP will be a big part of that, and Ivanova shows how to make UNEP lead.”

Zakri Abdul Hamid
Former Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia
“A must-read for scholars, policymakers, activists, and industry—especially those tasked with leading humanity out of the current global environmental crisis.”
