World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 at the proposal of Yugoslavia. Today, World Environment Day is observed in over 100 countries.
The marking of this day is entrusted to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with its seat in Nairobi, Kenya.
The day's agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues, empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership, which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.
The main international celebrations of World Environment Day 2008 will be held in New Zealand.