Monika MacDevette

Monika MacDevette is Chief of the Chemicals and Health Branch at the Economy Division of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Formerly, Monika was Deputy Director, and headed the Operations and Programme Delivery Branch in the Ecosystems Division. 

Monika  is an environmental physiologist, having received her BSc, MSc and Doctorate in plant biotechnology and genetic engineering. For the past 30 or so years, she has worked extensively in applied science and technology innovation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and coastal and marine development. Prior to joining the UN Environment Programme, her work experience in Canada and South Africa included academia, policy implementation, multi-stakeholder and private sector partnerships, small, medium and micro-enterprise technology transfer and capacity development.  Her background at UN Environment Programme started with regional cooperation and coordination, partnership management at UNEP-WCMC, Deputy Director and Chief of both the Capacity Development, and the Scientific Assessment Branches in the Science Division. 

Monika has a deep interest in, and commitment to gender equality and the role of women and men in transforming the environmental agenda from a policy perspective. She currently leads the organisation’s environmental education work promoting the active participation of students in environmental sustainability at university campuses, engaging students and youth as leaders and role models for sustainability through education. Her niche at the UN Environment Programme is promoting sound science to inform policy, and fostering innovations to turn policy into actions. She has three adult sons, three adorable grandchildren, 2 dogs, and has been adopted over the years by 3 cats.