Briefing on the Montevideo Programme V: A Decade of Action on Environmental Law

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.