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United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA)

This study aims to provide a methodology for mapping the progress in the Arab region in the adoption and implementation of green economy policies. This mapping is proposed as a policy tool for governments of the ESCWA Region. As such, it is designed to identify the various challenges that the region faces as they still strive to achieve sustainable development, and to highlight potential opportunities for countries in the region to “green” their economies. 

The study relies on a set of indicators that represent the transition to a green economy at the macro and micro level. Those indicators are based on those developed by the OECD, UNEP, and UNIDO, and adapted in such a way as to also reflect key social goals, such as the need for greater focus on social equity and poverty eradication. The papar includes a fact sheet of each of the countries in the  Arab region, and detailed reports on four pilot countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Oman.   

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

In order to harness opportunities afforded by an inclusive green economy approach, UNDP supports an array of nationally-defined development activities, applying corporate best practices incorporating environmental, governance, poverty reduction, capacity development, and gender perspectives. UNDP looks at its operations which have as many as possible of the following characteristics:

• emphasize the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources in a low-carbon pathway
• decrease (or protect against) environmental risks, emissions and pollution
• lead to increased income opportunities and/or employment generation
• lead to greater social equity and inclusion.

Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Catalysing Ocean Finance demonstrates how a modest investment of public finance—on the order of $5 billion over the next 10-20 years—can scale up proven ocean planning and policy tools, leverage financial flows, transform ocean markets, and reverse the global decline in ocean health.
United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

The paper is a working document on the current situation, outlook, best practices and requirements concerning access to information, participation and justice regarding environmental matters in Latin America and the Caribbean.

There is consensus that the three access rights embody the core standards of transparency, equity and accountability in decision-making and are the foundation of environmental democracy and good governance.  The link between good governance, environmental sustainability and the eradication of poverty and hunger has been extensively examined in the literature. The core argument is that reducing poverty and empowering the poor requires a receptive government (one that is open to access to information, participation and justice) and a healthy environment.

The importance of principles of access has also been recognized by the business sector. The paper takes note of two voluntary initiatives for private enterprise information transparency are the Global Reporting Initiative and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Azerbaijan has made significant strides in improving its economy over the past decade, as it embarked on a market-based economy and recovered from a significant downturn following the breakup of the Soviet Union. As a result, the government is now looking to implement a policy for country’s transition to a low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive economy. This study presents an assessment of Azerbaijan’s economy, looking at ways that will foster such transition.