20 February 2012: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a special issue of its magazine, titled “One Planet,” to mark its 40th anniversary. The 36-page publication focuses on the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) and includes articles by key government, intergovernmental and non-governmental stakeholders, including UNCSD Executive Coordinator Elizabeth Thomson and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

In his reflections on Rio+20 Steiner outlines the work of UNEP over the last 40 years, including its work in promoting the Green Economy. He also notes that many governments are also signalling “that the time has come” to evolve UNEP, perhaps into a World Environment Organization.

In her piece titled “Revolution at Rio,” Thomson underscores the critical role of governments in mainstreaming and practising sustainability, but stresses that the transition to a global green economy will also require the engagement of non-state actors and the involvement and cooperation of the private sector. The anniversary issue also features sections on: new UNEP publications; “UNEP at Work;” innovation; and useful links on Rio+20. [Publication: Our Planet: Special Issue Celebrating 40 Years of UNEP]