Press release: University of Eastern Finland – United Nations Environment Programme 18th Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Press release

University of Eastern Finland – United Nations Environment Programme

18th Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Special Theme: 20th Anniversary of the MEA Course - Taking Stock and Moving Forward

Helsinki, Finland – May 27, 2024 – The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) proudly announce the commencement of the 2024 UEF-UNEP Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), scheduled from May 27 to June 6, 2024, in Helsinki. This year's course commemorates the 20th anniversary of the MEA Course under the special theme "Taking Stock and Moving Forward." This high-profile two-week course marks a significant milestone as the first post-pandemic, in-person session, following a brief hiatus and online adaptation due to the global COVID-19 challenges.

Since its establishment in 2004, the MEA Course has empowered over 520 participants from 127 countries, providing a distinctive platform for seasoned government officials, NGO representatives, private sector stakeholders, researchers, and academics engaged in international environmental negotiations. With a focus on enhancing participants' understanding and proficiency in international environmental law-making, diplomacy, and negotiation, the course aims to bolster the effective implementation of multilateral environmental agreements. Through a blend of interactive lectures, workshops, and excursions, the program offers a comprehensive learning experience tailored to equip present and future negotiators with the requisite tools to tackle urgent global environmental issues.

The 2024 MEA Course, generously supported by the Finnish government, upholds its legacy of fostering collaboration between developed and developing nations, promoting gender equality, and ensuring a balanced representation of participants from both the Global North and South. Approximately 30 participants, including those from developing countries and economies in transition, will benefit from full or partial fellowships. This year's course not only celebrates two decades of impactful education and collaboration but also sets its sights on the future of international environmental governance, diplomacy, and negotiations, striving to forge a more resilient and sustainable world through enhanced negotiation capacity and environmental governance.

For more information about the course, visit https://sites.uef.fi/cceel/uef-unep/.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Bradlie Martz-Sigala

UEF-UNEP MEA Course Coordinator

[email protected]

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