Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) are the predominant legal method for addressing transboundary environmental problems. Adopted by States, MEAs are standard-settings instruments for effective global environmental protection.

The International Law of Treaties is a set of international principles and rules regulating the conclusion procedure of treaties, as well as the issues of operation, amendments and modifications, termination, suspension and invalidity of treaties. For those involved in the drafting, negotiation and conclusion of international treaties, a sound knowledge of the Law of Treaties is indispensable.

International organizations are playing an increasingly important role in the international legal order. They are active in virtually all fields of human activity, they regularly conclude international treaties and continuously interact with other actors of international law. Nowadays, they wield growing normative powers.

All communities are exposed to emergencies and disasters related to any type of natural hazards, epidemic outbreaks and those produced by man, biological, chemical, radiological, technological, conflicts and others. In a context of increasing urbanization and climate change, the frequency, severity and impact of disasters has been exacerbated.

All communities are at risk of emergencies and di­sasters, including those associated with natural hazards, infectious disease outbreaks, conflicts, technological and other hazards.  Particularly in the context of increased urbanization and climate change, frequency, severity and impact of those events are crucial.

En los últimos 20 años los desastres han afectado a 4.400 millones de personas, han causado 2 billones de dólares de daños y han matado a 1,3 millones de personas. Los desastres han afectado a las personas que viven en los países en desarrollo y, en particular, a las comunidades más vulnerables de esos países.

The General Assembly resolution 72/279 emphasizes the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) as the primary instrument for planning and implementing UN development activities at the country level in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

In 2024, nearly 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance and protection, due to conflicts, climate emergencies and other drivers.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) plays a crucial role in accelerating global efforts towards disaster risk reduction to achieve inclusive sustainable development. As the lead agency within the United Nations system for coordinating disaster risk reduction, UNDRR offers an e-learning course titled "Risk Assessment for National Planning Processes".

Over the past 20 years, disasters have affected billions of people, caused USD$ trillions of damage, and killed millions of people. Disasters have affected people living in developing countries and, in particular, the most vulnerable communities within these countries.