Klaus Toepfer is the former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme and is known internationally for his personal commitment to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. He actively contributed to the success of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and was a forerunner in the negotiations for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the establishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Klaus Toepfer became Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in February 1998. He was also appointed Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements from July 1998 to August 2000. Before joining the United Nations, Klaus Toepfer held several posts in the Federal Government of Germany Prof Toepfer explains in detail his vision of a social market economy and his strategies to make the environment work to improve the lives of present and future generations. He explains how the environment is not a hindrance for economic development and how protection of natural resources and regulations on the use of harmful substances trigger technology development and create exciting new opportunities, markets and jobs. An experienced teacher and engaging speaker, Prof. Toepfer challenges audiences with his hard hitting yet inspirational presentations.