UNEP's mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

UNEP's work includes: Assessing global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends. Developing international and national environmental agreements and legal instruments. Strengthening institutions for the wise management of the environment. Integrating economic development and environmental protection. Facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology for sustainable development. Encouraging new partnerships and approaches within civil society and the private sector.

UNEP in the Pacific

The partnership between SPREP and UNEP is based on the MoU signed in May 2005. This formalizes the relationship between the agencies and guides a joint programme work. UNEP and SPREP are collaborating on a number of initiatives including the GEF Pacific Alliance for Sustainability (G-PAS) programme, capacity building on MEAs, climate change mitigation and adaption, and waste minimization and pollution prevention efforts in the Pacific.