The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the Climate Bonds Initiative and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) have announced a collaboration to support global interoperability and implementation of sustainable finance taxonomies and other frameworks. The collaboration aims to build consensus on taxonomy definitions and concepts among standard setters, policymakers, and taxonomy users, support the development of taxonomies, and provide tools for implementation.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) Working Group for Nature has published the first in a new guidance series titled ‘Nature Uncovered for Insurers’, with the initial report ‘Rooted in Risk’ released on 26 June 2025 during London Climate Action Week. The guidance is designed to support insurers in identifying and assessing nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities within their underwriting portfolios. The report provides a technical framework for insurers to evaluate how nature-related issues may affect different lines of business, including non-life and life & health insurance. It also outlines how these issues may manifest across insurance value chains. The guidance builds on the PSI’s earlier publication ‘Insuring a resilient nature-positive future’ and is intended for use by insurers and supporting organisations with varying levels of expertise. A second report in the series ‘Breaking Ground’ is scheduled for release later in 2025.

The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Forum for Insurance Transition has issued a COP30 insurance communiqué ahead of the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference, proposing the establishment of an International Taskforce on Climate Resilience and Transition Insurance. The communiqué responds to escalating climate-related losses, with global economic damage from natural disasters reaching US$368bn in 2024, of which 60% remained uninsured. It warns of a looming global insurability crisis that threatens financial stability and economic resilience.

The UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) has published the first technical note from its Net-Zero Export Credit Agencies Alliance (NZECA), offering guidance to export credit agencies (ECAs) and export-import banks on improving greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting. The paper, issued in November 2025, provides methodologies and case studies to address the challenges of applying existing GHG standards to ECA products such as guarantees and export credit insurance. By promoting more consistent, transparent and credible accounting, UNEP FI aims to help public finance institutions align their portfolios with global net-zero pathways and support the Paris Agreement goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction published its annual Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction. The report provides an overview of the progress that the buildings and construction sector have made globally towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change through analysis of policies, finance and technologies. It highlights initiatives including the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate and Buildings Breakthrough aimed at implementing net-zero building requirements in Nationally Determined Contributions ahead of COP30. The report notes that the sector currently accounts for 34% of global CO2 emissions and 32% of energy consumption.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has reported the adjournment of negotiations for a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution until 2025, following the conclusion of the fifth session in Busan, South Korea. While progress was made on the treaty’s structure and elements, differing views on critical issues remain. Delegates from over 170 nations agreed on a ‘Chair's Text’ as the foundation for future negotiations. UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen, acknowledged the progress made but emphasised the need for further discussions to address ongoing differences in key areas and achieve the treaty's objectives. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee will resume discussions in 2025, with the venue yet to be confirmed.

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) have published a discussion paper that proposes the first methodology for banks to set nature impact targets at a portfolio level. The paper outlines a two-phase approach that incorporates the identification of nature-related data points, followed by target setting and client action planning.

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEPFI) has published new practical guidance for banks on implementing climate adaptation and resilience measures. Building previous climate adaptation frameworks, the document provides detailed implementation roadmaps across three practice levels and focuses on key areas including strategy, assessment, and action. It pays special attention to the real estate and agriculture sectors.

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEPFI) has published Principles for Taxonomy Interoperability, developed in collaboration with partners of the Taxonomy Roadmap Initiative, to guide countries and regulators in the design of sustainable finance taxonomies. The principles aim to address the challenges faced by banks and investors in assessing and comparing more than 50 existing national and regional taxonomies worldwide.

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEPFI) has published a report examining the implementation of sustainability disclosure requirements through a series of climate-focused case studies. The report addresses data gaps and evolving regulatory standards by providing practical examples from financial institutions and companies.

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEPFI) has published version four of its Guidance for Climate Target Setting for Banks. To support banks with setting climate targets that are credible, robust, impactful and aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, the guidance introduces four key principles: (1) setting and disclosing long-term and intermediate targets; (2) establishing emissions baselines; (3) using science-based decarbonisation scenarios and; (4) regularly reviewing targets to align with evolving climate science. Banks are encouraged to adopt the guidance as a reference for establishing sound practices in climate target setting.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched an open consultation on new guidelines for AI use in judicial systems. UNESCO’s recent survey of judicial operators worldwide has highlighted a significant lack of institutional guidance and training on the use of AI systems. In response to this, UNESCO, in collaboration with international experts, has developed draft guidelines for AI use in Courts and Tribunals.