Press release

Winnipeg based International Institute for Sustainable Development named Collaborating Centre for the United Nations Environmental Programme

June 19, 1996

WINNIPEG — Elizabeth Dowdeswell the Executive Director of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and Dr. Arthur J. Hanson, President and CEO of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) today signed an agreement that officially names IISD as a UNEP Collaborating Centre for International Environmental Assessment, Reporting and Forecasting. This designation identifies the Winnipeg based IISD as a center of excellence with internationally recognized expertise in the field of sustainable development.

This agreement highlights the commonality and complementarity of work between IISD and UNEP's Environment Information and Assessment Programme. According to Ms. Dowdeswell, "IISD's work has been at the cutting edge of sustainable development reporting, the establishment of methodologies such as indicators, and the development and promotion of electronic information networks and systems. This recognition is an accomplishment of which IISD and Winnipeg can be proud."

Under the agreement IISD is mandated to undertake reviews related to the state of the world environment, provide early warning of environmental threats, improve access to information for environmental decision-making and enhance developing countries' capabilities to use information.

"Working closely with UNEP provides IISD a greater opportunity to influence international decision-making," said Dr. Hanson of the agreement. The timing of this designation is also critical. "As the five year follow up to the Earth Summit approaches, measurement of advances in sustainable development will become the focus of international attention," he said.

About IISD

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 250 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.