KENYA – Ministers of environment and leaders from over 180 nations convened in Nairobi to inaugurate the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6).
This year’s assembly focuses on bolstering environmental multilateralism to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss, and pollution.
Discussions will encompass resolutions on various issues, including nature-based solutions, highly hazardous pesticides, land degradation, drought, and the environmental aspects of minerals and metals.
As the world’s highest decision-making body on the environment, the UN Environment Assembly includes all 193 UN Member States.
Its biennial meetings establish global environmental policy priorities and develop international environmental law, shaping the work of the UN Environment Program (UNEP).
Leila Benali, President of UNEA-6 and Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development for the Kingdom of Morocco, emphasized the need for effective multilateralism to address current global challenges.
She stressed the importance of inclusivity, involving youth, indigenous peoples, and local communities, and accelerating multilateral action for sustainable development.
UNEA-6, amidst escalating climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, will deliberate on 19 resolutions aimed at spurring ambitious multilateral environmental action.
These resolutions cover a wide range of issues, including circular economy, solar radiation modification, climate justice, and the sound management of chemicals and waste.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, urged countries to set aside political differences and focus on shared goals for a sustainable future.
She emphasized the importance of agreeing on resolutions to boost multilateral action and secure intergenerational justice.
Over 7,000 delegates from 182 UN Member States and more than 170 Ministers have registered for UNEA-6, which is themed “effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.”
The assembly will include Heads of State, government representatives, civil society members, and private sector stakeholders.
Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry for the Republic of Kenya, underscored the need to renew hope amid persistent poverty and economic inequality. She emphasized the crucial role of UNEA-6 in providing hope and driving sustainable development.
UNEA-6 will feature leadership dialogues, multi-stakeholder discussions, and numerous side events aimed at fostering global and regional coordinated efforts.
Cooperation with multilateral environmental agreements will also be highlighted, emphasizing their role in addressing pressing environmental issues and promoting international environmental governance and law.
For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
