The UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD) was jointly established by UNEP and Tongji University in May 2002. The objectives of IESD are: (1) To develop educational programmes to support research, technical and managerial skills and human capacity in developing countries; (2) To contribute to UNEP's global and regional environmental activities; (3) To disseminate information about best practices and technological developments.