Agenda 21 specifies the imperative of strengthening the compliance and enforcement of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) as key mechanisms for achieving sustainable development. In this pursuit, education, training, and capacity building, are fundamental resources for enhancing the capacities of States to implement internationally agreed environmental obligations.

The overall goal of UNITAR’s Environmental Law Programme (ELP) is to raise awareness and general knowledge in the field of international environmental law. To achieve this goal, the ELP undertakes education, training, and capacity building activities. The ELP offers a Diploma Course in International Environmental Law (conducted through distance-learning), a Basic Course in International Environmental Law (e-learning), a Fellowship Programme on International and Comparative Environmental Law; and organizes thematic Workshops and Seminars. These core activities are specifically directed at enhancing the skills and acumen of stakeholders whose functions require a comprehensive understanding of the principles, international architecture and primary issues that characterize International Environmental Law.