Frequently Asked Questions: The Environment Fund and the "Fair Share"

The Environment Fund, established in 1973 by the UN General Assembly, is the core fund of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The Fund allows UNEP to carry out its mandate of being the leading global authority on the environment, with the power to positively influence government policies – and to drive the global conversation on the environment. It enables UNEP to support countries to deliver on the environmental dimensions of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Funding to the Environment Fund is critical for UNEP to deliver on its strengths. As the main source of unrestricted funds, it enables strategic, efficient, and effective execution of the Member State approved workplans, while allowing for flexibility to respond to emerging environmental challenges.