The United Nations System-wide Framework of Strategies on the Environment (SWFS) is as a platform where, participation, collaboration, and data inputs by Member Agencies aims to generate added value, not only to the UN System as a whole, but also to individual agencies.

The SWFS provides annual and updated gaps-and-opportunities analysis to Member Agencies and the UN System, therefore enabling effectiveness in their work. While comprehensive UN mapping is done on a triennial basis, thematic reports are produced annually. This year UN agencies have called on the UN EMG secretariat to produce a thematic report on biodiversity in time for UNEA 4 taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from 11-15 March 2019. The interest in biodiversity comes not only as the international community advances the post-2020 biodiversity agenda, but also in the context of the 2018 HLPF focus on SDG 14 and 15.

The SWFS is a consultative process convened by the UN Environment Management Group (EMG) through its 51 Member Agencies. The aim is to foster convergence of environmental sustainability strategies and to provide more visibility to partnership initiatives and overall collaboration on the environment and the Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts hope to further enable system-wide collaboration and efficiencies.

If you have any information to share about specific strategic and partnership  initiatives from UN agencies on biodiversity, please do not hesitate to share with us. If you are an EMG focal point you can add your inputs via the SWFS Knowledge Exchange Platform, otherwise you can email Juan E. Chebly at cheblyj@un.org