18 February 2013: The 27th session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC27/GMEF) of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is convening in Nairobi, Kenya, from 18-22 February. This meeting is the first universal session of the GMEF, following the decision of the 67th UN General Assembly (UNGA) to strengthen and upgrade UNEP, including by establishing universal membership for the GC.

Ministerial-level consultations will take place under the theme “Rio+20: from outcome to implementation,” in the context of strengthening and upgrading UNEP as set out in the outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20). The meeting also will consider: “implementing a green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development;” sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns; the post-2015 development agenda; financing options for chemicals and waste; and system-wide coordination on Rio+20 follow-up.

To coincide with GC27/GMEF, a new book titled “UNEP: The First 40 Years,” by conservationist Stanley Johnson has been released. The book charts the evolution of UNEP from its inception at the landmark Stockholm Conference of 1972 to its position today.

UNEP also will launch new reports during the meeting, that outline emerging issues including the global consequences of rapidly receding ice in the Arctic, impacts of chemical exposure on the hormone system of humans and animals, and an assessment of off-grid lighting in several countries around the world. [UNEP Press Release] [Publication: UNEP: The First 40 years: A narrative] [IISD RS Meeting Coverage]