Poverty-Environment Action for Sustainable Development Goals

The Poverty-Environment Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a program under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) that operates within the UNDP/UNEP framework. The initiative focuses on integrating poverty and environmental concerns to achieve sustainable development goals. Running from 2018 to 2022, this program seeks to address the complex interplay between poverty and environmental degradation by fostering initiatives that promote sustainable practices.

Through various projects and activities, the program aims to uplift impoverished communities while simultaneously addressing environmental challenges. It recognizes the interconnectedness of poverty and environmental issues and works towards holistic and inclusive solutions. The Poverty-Environment Action for SDGs program aligns with the broader global agenda outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to ensure a balanced and sustainable future.

The Poverty-Environment Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a joint initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aimed at addressing the complex interplay between poverty and environmental sustainability. Launched in 2018, it succeeds the UNDP–UNEP Poverty-Environment Initiative and demonstrates a commitment to integrating poverty-environment objectives into policy, budgeting, programming, and investments.

This initiative is driven by the overarching goal of eradicating poverty in all its forms by aligning environmental sustainability efforts with poverty eradication strategies. It recognizes the changing forms and conditions of poverty globally and emphasizes the need to deepen and broaden the mainstreaming of poverty-environment objectives. The Poverty-Environment Action has embarked on several country projects and technical assistance efforts, fostering strategic partnerships with organizations like the Asian Development Bank, GIZ, and UN Women.

In its earlier iteration as the UNDP-UNEP Poverty Environment Initiative (2005-2017), the program supported country-led efforts to mainstream poverty-environment objectives into national and sub-national development planning. With a focus on achieving the Millennium Development Goals and later serving as a model for the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), PEI worked with government partners to bring about lasting institutional change and increase investment in pro-poor environmental and natural resource management.

The current phase, Poverty-Environment Action for SDGs (2018-2022), builds on the legacy of PEI and emphasizes mainstreaming environmental sustainability and climate objectives into development planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems. It supports eight countries in Africa and Asia, providing both financial and technical assistance. The initiative is uniquely positioned to ensure that the environmental dimension is integrated into poverty alleviation efforts, emphasizing the importance of aligning finance and investment with poverty, environment, and climate objectives. The overall aim is to strengthen the integration of poverty-environment objectives into policies, plans, regulations, and investments to accelerate the delivery of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

The goals and purpose of the Poverty-Environment Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are centered on integrating environmental sustainability and climate objectives into efforts to eradicate poverty. Launched in 2018, this joint initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) aims to deepen and broaden the mainstreaming of poverty-environment objectives.

Key Goals and Purposes:

Eradicating Poverty: The overarching goal is to contribute to the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions. This involves recognizing the evolving nature of poverty globally and addressing its multifaceted challenges.

Mainstreaming Environmental Objectives: The initiative seeks to mainstream poverty-environment objectives into policy, budgeting, programming, and investments. This integration ensures that environmental sustainability is a core component of poverty eradication strategies.

Country Projects and Technical Assistance: Poverty-Environment Action focuses on practical implementation through country projects and technical assistance efforts. It supports countries in Africa and Asia to align their development planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems with poverty-environment objectives.

The Poverty-Environment Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has had a significant impact since its 2018 launch:

Country-Level Implementation: Implemented projects in eight countries and provided technical assistance to others, ensuring practical, on-the-ground impact.

Finance Alignment: Uniquely focused on aligning finance and investment with poverty, environment, and climate objectives, directing resources toward sustainable practices.

Legacy of PEI: Building on the success of the UNDP–UNEP Poverty-Environment Initiative, ensuring continuity and preserving effective approaches.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with entities like the Asian Development Bank, GIZ, and UN Women amplify the initiative's reach and effectiveness.

Contribution to SDGs: Strengthening the integration of poverty-environment objectives directly contributes to the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the SDGs.