UNEO - towards an international environment organization

In 2003, UN Secretary-General Annan urged global reform of the United Nations system, leading to the establishment of a high-level panel to present proposals to the General Assembly in 2005. French President Chirac proposed creating a new United Nations Environment Organization (UNEO) to evolve from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). A working group, comprising 26 countries and the EU Commission, was formed to develop a UNEO concept by 2005, while efforts to strengthen UNEP continued. This reform aims to enhance UNEP's financial foundation, broaden the Governing Council's membership to include all UN Member States, and increase activities in science and capacity building. The volume features contributions from renowned international authors who analyze the shortcomings of the current global environmental governance system. It addresses the challenges and necessities of reforming UNEP and establishing a new environmental organization within the broader UN reform framework. Notable contributors include Klaus Töpfer, James Gustave Speth, Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker, and others, with a preface by Jürgen Trittin, Germany's Minister for the Environment.