UNEP Executive Directors

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maria Ivanova is Associate Professor of Global Governance, Director of the Global Governance and Human Security PhD Program, and Director of the Center for Governance and Sustainability at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her work focuses on the performance of international institutions, implementation of international environmental agreements, and sustainability. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The past, present, and possible future of the agency designed to act as “the world's environmental conscience.”

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!"

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.”

Rachel Kyte

Dean,

The Fletcher School,

Tufts University

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​​"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

President Professor of Political Science, CUNY Graduate Center

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"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!"

Zakri Abdul Hamid

Former Science Advisor to thePrime 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.”