Transparency, accountability and integrity assessment of the Montreal Protocol and the Multilateral Fund
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1988) and its Multilateral Fund (1990) have played a critical role in preventing environmental catastrophe by establishing global compliance standards and aiding countries in reducing harmful chemical emissions. Since becoming operational in 1991, the Multilateral Fund has received over US$5 billion in contributions, with a focus on supporting developing countries to meet Protocol obligations. The success of the Protocol and Fund depends on strong political will and good governance to ensure efficient use of resources and prevent abuse of power.
The Protocol is governed by 197 ratifying states, with the Fund managed by a combination of developing and developed countries, alongside advisory groups of public and private experts. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves multiple key roles, including as the Secretariat and independent evaluator, while agencies like UNDP, UNIDO, and the World Bank help channel resources to developing countries.
This review of the Montreal Protocol and the Multilateral Fund assessed the transparency, accountability, and integrity safeguards within the Montreal Protocol regime. The review found a number of important best practices as well as key areas for improvement. Taking note of the recommendations to strengthen integrity in decision-making, information sharing and ethics policies would further safeguard the Protocol and its Fund from conflicts of interest and potential wrongdoing.