UofG awarded United Nations Environment Programme accreditation
Published: 17 August 2026
The University of Glasgow has been awarded accreditation status by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - one of only 25 universities worldwide to receive this accolade.
The University of Glasgow has been awarded accreditation status by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the leading global authority on the environment – one of only 25 universities worldwide and eight in the UK to have been given this accolade.
It received the prestigious accreditation through its School of Social & Environmental Sustainability, based at the University's Dumfries campus.
Securing UNEP accreditation is a significant achievement that positions the University within a highly influential global network of policymakers, scientists and stakeholders.
This accreditation creates unique opportunities for students and researchers to engage in real-world science-for-policy activities, strengthens the University's global impact and sustainability leadership, and opens new pathways for international collaboration, funding and research influence.
As a member of the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group, the University will work alongside UNEP, Member States and other Stakeholders to provide evidence-based research to help inform decision-making processes, and to help support UNEP’s mission.
Dr Michelle Bloor, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science and Risk, led the accreditation process on behalf of the University. She said: "I am delighted to have secured accreditation for the University of Glasgow, through the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability, to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and its governing bodies. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, while connecting Glasgow to a global network of policymakers, scientists and stakeholders working to address some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
“Through this partnership, I see tremendous opportunities to bring evidence-based research into international decision-making and to create meaningful real-world experiences for our students and researchers. By working alongside UNEP and its partners, we can help shape solutions for a more sustainable future while strengthening the University's global impact.
“I’m also excited to see what multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations and activities evolve to help tackle the WICKED problems that our planet and its inhabitants are facing.”
Professor David Lundie, Head of the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability, said: "This accreditation is yet further evidence of the fantastic work the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability has been doing in leading just transitions, not only in the South of Scotland, but across the world. Our researchers and graduates have global impact from rewilding Scottish peatlands to flood resilience in Bangladeshi river deltas, contributing to the University's Global Top 30 ranking for our contribution to the UN Global Sustainable Development goals."
A project led by the University of Glasgow and undertaken with the collaboration of global chemical management experts has already developed a prioritisation tool to support the work of the new UNEP Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel for Chemicals, Waste and Pollution.
First published: 17 August 2026