UNEP, established in 1972, is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. To accomplish this, UNEP works with a wise range of partners, including United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and civil society. UNEP's global and cross-sectoral outlook is reflected in its organizational structure, its activities, and its personnel. UNEP's home-base location in Africa gives it a clear advantage in understanding the environmental issues facing the world's developing countries, thus enabling it to make sustainable decisions from a global perspective.