Event Conference
Briefing on the Montevideo Programme V: A Decade of Action on Environmental Law
03 Nov 2026
09:30 – 11:00
Venue: International Environment House 1 | Room 2 & Online | Webex
Organization: United Nations Environment Programme, Geneva Environment Network
As part of UNEP Environmental Law Week, taking place from 2 to 6 November 2026, this briefing will provide an overview of the Montevideo Programme and its role in advancing environmental law.
About this Event
Since 1982, UNEP has conducted its environmental law activities on the basis of the Montevideo Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law (Montevideo Programme).
Now in its fifth iteration, the Montevideo Programme promotes the development and implementation of environmental rule of law, strengthens related capacities in countries and contributes to the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda. Since its inception, the Programme has served as a catalyst for legal and institutional reform across countries and regions, enabling Member States and stakeholders to translate global environmental commitments into effective domestic legal frameworks and enforceable norms.
One of the focus areas of the Programme is to enhance access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters, which underpin effective and inclusive environmental governance.
As part of UNEP’s Environmental Law Week, convening from 2 to 6 November 2026, and ahead of the Third Global Meeting of National Focal Points for the Montevideo Programme V, the event will bring together the Member States and stakeholders to raise awareness about the Montevideo Programme V, explore opportunities to engage in its implementation and discuss expectations for the upcoming Third Global Meeting.
Thought leaders and partners of the Programme will share their experiences in supporting its implementation and discuss how a platform such as the Montevideo Programme V can further enhance access rights through strengthened partnerships and broader stakeholder engagement.
About the Montevideo Environmental Law Programme
Speakers
By order of intervention.
Patricia MBOTE
Director, Law Division, UN Environment Programme
Andrea RIZZO
Programme Management Officer, Law Division, UN Environment Programme
Tina HOČEVAR
Environmental Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Maryna YANUSH
Environmental Affairs Officer, UNECE Aarhus Convention Secretariat
Gibrilla KAMARA
Manager, Legal Affairs, Compliance and Enforcement Department, Environment Protection Agency, Sierra Leone | National Focal Point and Steering Committee member Montevideo Programme V
Sara TUSEVLJAK
River activist and environmental human rights defender | Co-Chair, First European Forum on EHRDs
Alejandro IZA
Director, Environmental Law Team, Centre for Policy and Law, International Union for Conservation of Nature
Marianna BOLSHAKOVA
Regional Coordinator, Environmental Law and Governance, Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, UN Environment Programme | Moderator
Registration
This event is taking place at the International Environment House and online.
In-person Participation
To attend this event in person, kindly register on Indico.
Online Participation
To attend this event online, kindly register on Webex.