Stockholm University has been awarded observer status within the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a move that opens new avenues for its researchers to participate in and influence international discussions on sustainability. This development gives Stockholm University a direct voice in the UN’s top environmental forum, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), which sets the global agenda on issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and chemicals management.
UNEP, which has 193 member states, is the primary environmental body of the United Nations. It provides guidance to governments, businesses, and civil society on key environmental issues, with UNEA serving as its highest decision-making body. Observer status implies that they can be accredited and given the opportunity to participate in UNEA meetings, but also meetings with UNEA sub-organisations. Observers have access to UNEP documents and can provide background information, both in writing and orally. Universities have been under-represented at UNEA, where industry and civil society groups typically dominate the observer ranks.
Marlene Ågerstrand, Associate Professor at the Department of Environmental Science (ACES), led the charge for Stockholm University’s application. A long-time advocate for stronger protections against harmful chemicals through her work as a board member of the International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCP), Ågerstrand underscored the vital role scientific research can play in shaping policies for a more sustainable future.
“Our research is important to guide society toward a more sustainable development. This is a way to reach decision-makers globally and we can be an important counterweight in an increasingly fact-resistant world,” she said.
She also emphasised how engaging with international policy processes would benefit researchers, giving them valuable insight into how science influences policy, which in turn could boost the societal impact of their work.
Overcoming obstacles in the process
The path to accreditation for Stockholm University wasn’t straightforward. UNEA’s rules typically exclude publicly funded universities, as they do not fall under the “non-governmental” category. Still, after months of negotiation, Stockholm University received approval to submit its application in early 2024. Following ongoing dialogue with UNEP, the university received official confirmation of its observer status in November 2024.
Ågerstrand’s work with IPCP allowed her to initiate discussions with UNEP on the potential role of researchers at UNEA meetings. She referred to the system in Sweden, where universities are publicly funded but operate independently of the state, as part of her case for Stockholm University’s eligibility. She also noted that some publicly funded UK universities had successfully gained observer status, which helped guide her efforts.
Long tradition of environmental research
The successful bid was supported by several persons at Stockholm University, including Magnus Breitholtz, senior advisor to the university president on environment and sustainability, and Henrik Lindell Kennberg from the President’s Office, who managed communications with UNEP throughout the process. Ågerstrand highlighted the crucial support provided by the university during the application process.
Magnus Breitholtz emphasised that Stockholm University has “a proud and long tradition of outstanding environmental research,” and the observer status significantly increases the university’s ability to present this research to global decision-makers. “This is, of course, extremely positive, as the university has a clear ambition to contribute to a democratic and sustainable society,” he added.
Contribute to international meetings
Marlene Ågerstrand believes that the new status will enable the university's researchers to contribute to international meetings on sustainability and deepen the role of science in policymaking. She also thinks that Stockholm University’s move will inspire other institutions, both in Sweden and internationally, to pursue similar opportunities.
“I also hope this will increase the role of research in decision-making and boost academia’s understanding of decision-making processes,” Ågerstrand said. She added, “It would be fantastic if the university could allocate some funds for researchers to attend these meetings, as travel costs often aren’t covered by standard research budgets.”
Struggle for a global plastic treaty
Patricia Villarubia-Gómez is a PhD student at Stockholm Resilience Centre. Her research focuses on the global challenge of plastic pollution using a social-ecological systems approach. She is part of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) WG 40 on Marine Plastics and Microplastics, assessing risks associated with plastics in the ocean.
Villarubia-Gómez has attended all previous sessions of the UN negotiation meetings to create a global plastics treaty. She is currently attending the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 25 November to 1 December 2024.
“This will make my work much easier”
The importance of the presence of independent experts cannot be overstated in a multilateral agreement such as this, according to Villarubia-Gómez:
“Together with the Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, we have provided advice and helped decision-makers develop science-based policies that strengthen the protection of human health and the environment. Until now, my attendance at these meetings has been possible thanks to the institutional sponsorship of Svenska Naturskyddsföreningen, but now I will be able to attend as a representative of Stockholm University thanks to the tireless efforts of Marlene Ågerstrand. This will make my work much easier.”
Ågerstrand plans to inform the university’s researchers of the new opportunities this observer status provides. She hopes to attend future UNEA meetings herself, particularly those related to chemicals management.
This article was first published on 27 November by Stockholm University.
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