UNEP’s Global Judges Programme was conceived in the context of strengthening the Rule of Law in the area of sustainable development. The Rule of Law comprises an intricately inter-linked chain of fundamental ideas including equality before the law, the independence of the judiciary, transparency, consistency and accountability in the administration of law and the notions of equity, justice and fairness. The Rule of Law is also essential for the realization of sustainable development, which itself is founded on equitably balancing environmental, social and economic considerations in decision-making at all levels.